Anthropogenic pedogenesis of Chernozems in Germany? – A critical review

Abstract

Recently, the idea of an anthropogenic formation of Chernozems in Germany during the Early Neolithic (second half of the sixth millennium BC) has been proposed. This study reviews this idea in an interdisciplinary discourse, involving aspects of geosciences, palaeobotany, and archaeology. The paper discusses three major topics: (i) evidence of fire use in land clearing, from Black Carbon in soil organic matter (SOM); (ii) evidence of Chernozem formation during the Early Neolithic, indicated by radiocarbon dating, and (iii) evidence of anthropogenic pedogenesis based on the spatial coincidence of farmland of the Early Neolithic Bandkeramik (LBK) with Chernozems. However, the idea of anthropogenic formation of Chernozems during the Early Neolithic in Northern Germany is rejected. The suggested relationship between Chernozem formation and LBK does not exist. Although humans may have influenced the evolution of Chernozems by degradation or preservation, fire clearance by LBK settlers is very likely not the main factor in their formation. However, there is a strong need to include Black Carbon formation in the concept of SOM formation in Chernozems.