Holocene vegetation and land-use dynamics of south-eastern Estonia

Abstract

Palynological, chronological and sedimentological studies were performed at three Holocene sediment profiles from south-eastern Estonia (lakes Plaani, Verijärv and Lasva), which form a transect from the central part of the Haanja Heights across the northern slope to the ancient buried valley at its foot. The aim of the study was to utilize pollen records to investigate vegetation and land-use dynamics. The pollen stratigraphy of Verijärv starts ca. 10 500 cal BP, Lasva – 8400 cal BP and Plaani – 6300 cal BP. The early arrival of Picea, Ulmus and Quercus, long-lasting broad-leaved trees owing to the presence of suitable habitats in the mosaic landscape and delayed human interference are outlined. Limited crop growing started in the Later Bronze Age with Triticum and Hordeum cultivation, but became the primary source of subsistence in the Late Iron Age. Changes in agricultural practices, population densities, historical and political events affected agrarian activities and are registered in pollen diagrams as declines in anthropogenic indicators. Secale cultivation was blooming between 1300 and 200 cal BP, but since AD 1860–1870 considerably decreased as a result of changes in land ownership and the start of potato cultivation.