Anthropogenic Dark Earth in Northern Germany — The Nordic Analogue to terra preta de Índio in Amazonia
Katja Wiedner|Jens Schneeweiß|Michaela A. Dippold|Bruno Glaser
During an archaeological excavation of a Slavic settlement (10th/11th C. A.D.) in Brünkendorf (Wendland region Northern Germany), thick black soil (Nordic Dark Earth) was discovered that resembled the famous terra preta phenomenon. For humid tropics, could act as model for sustainable agricultural practices and long-term CO2-sequestration into terrestrial ecosystems. The question whether this Nordic Earth had similar properties genesis Amazonian order to find long term temperate zones. purpose, multi-analytical approach used characterise sandy-textured comparison less anthropogenically influenced soils adjacent area respect ecological conditions (pH, electric conductivity, cation exchange capacity, amino sugar) input materials. Total element contents (C, N, P, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn Ba) were highly enriched compared reference soil. Faecal biomarkers such stanols bile acids indicated animal manure from omnivores herbivores but also human excrements. Amino sugar analyses showed contained higher amounts microbial residues being dominated by fungi. Black carbon content about 30 Mg ha− 1 four times same magnitude preta. materials resulting chemical characteristics comparable those suggesting their comparable. created surface deposition and/or shallow incorporation waste including excrements together with charred organic matter. Over time, organisms degraded metabolized these leaving behind deep stable existence temperature zone Europe demonstrates capability maintain high matter nutrient retention over hundreds years. Deeper insights are needed urgently understand stabilization mechanisms sandy promote conceptual models land use C sequestration. It is argued knowledge probably important part Viking–Slavic subsistence agriculture system, which have great impact on development Viking age emporia 9th/10th A.D.
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