The influence of manuring on stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in Celtic bean (Vicia faba L.): archaeobotanical and palaeodietary implications

Edward R Treasure,Mike J Church,Darren R Gröcke

doi:10.1007/s12520-015-0243-6

Edward R Treasure, Mike J Church + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-015-0243-6

Copy DOI

Journal: Archaeological and anthropological sciences	Publication Date: May 7, 2015
Citations: 41	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Durham University

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of animal manure on δ15N and δ13C values in a legume, Celtic Black broad bean (Vicia faba). In a field experiment, V. faba was cultivated in plots treated with farmyard manure and pure sheep manure. The results indicate that highly intensive manuring can increase δ15N values in beans, stems, leaves and pods. In comparison, manuring had a relatively small impact on δ13C values. In terms of palaeodietary reconstructions, the high δ15N values in very intensively manured beans (+3 ‰) are equivalent to the trophic-level effect. Based on the experimental results, it is suggested that high δ15N values in archaeobotanical remains of V. faba may be attributable to small-scale cultivation with intensive manuring.

Highlights

Stable isotope analysis is becoming increasingly widespread in archaeobotanical research as a powerful method for investigating agricultural practices and land use patterns (Aguilera et al 2008; Bogaard et al 2013; Fraser et al 2013; Heaton et al 2009; Kanstrup et al 2014; Masi et al 2014; Vaiglova et al 2014)
The results presented in this study indicate that very intensive animal manuring (>70 t/ha) can increase δ15N values (+3‰) in V. faba
The results presented here agree with a previous study which indicated that only very intensive manuring can significantly alter δ15N values in V. faba due to the preferential fixation of atmospheric N2 (Fraser et al 2011; Styring et al 2014)

Summary

Introduction

Stable isotope analysis is becoming increasingly widespread in archaeobotanical research as a powerful method for investigating agricultural practices and land use patterns (Aguilera et al 2008; Bogaard et al 2013; Fraser et al 2013; Heaton et al 2009; Kanstrup et al 2014; Masi et al 2014; Vaiglova et al 2014). Since manuring is closely linked to intensive land use patterns, it is an important area of research into past crop husbandry regimes (Bogaard 2012). In terms of palaeodietary reconstructions, it is important to assess the impact of manuring on legume δ15N values as a source of 15N enrichment in animal and human tissues (Bogaard et al 2007; Fraser et al 2011; Hedges and Reynard 2007)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion