Isotope study reveals medieval people prioritized grain farming, used fertilization and organized soil efficiently

A study led by the Department of Archeology at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts used stable isotope analysis to reveal medieval land use practices beneath temperate forests in Europe. Research, It was published inside Scientific ReportsIt provides evidence of agricultural activity on a Cistercian manor dating back to the thirteenth century, revealing that the area was dominated by grain production rather than animal husbandry. Isotopic data show clear signs of grain cultivation and fertilization practices.

The corresponding author of the study is Dr. “By analyzing carbon and nitrogen isotopes in the soil, we have a new method to reconstruct historical agricultural practices that have not been detected to date,” said Martin P. Janovský. “This approach not only clarifies the type of crops grown, but also the extent of medieval agricultural influence and offers insights into the wider ecological and economic activities of the time.”

The study has important implications for archaeological and ecological research. By identifying specific isotope markers of medieval land use, researchers can now distinguish with greater precision between crop cultivation and grazing activities.

This ability allows for a deeper understanding of how past agricultural strategies shaped landscapes over centuries and provides valuable context for interpreting the long-term effects of human activities on soils and ecosystems.

The findings also demonstrate the value of combining isotope analysis with remote sensing techniques such as LiDAR to map and interpret historical land use. This methodological advance has the potential to change how researchers approach the study of ancient landscapes by providing a more comprehensive view of economic and environmental changes over time.