Agrogenic evolution of automorphic chernozems in the forest-steppe zone (Belgorod oblast)

Agrochronosequences of chernozems with different periods of their use in rainfed farming with application of traditional technologies have been studied in a typical forest-steppe area in Belgorod oblast. Certain stages in the development of these soils during more than two centuries of their agricultural use have been identifie

Evolution of chernozems in the southern forest-steppe of the Central Russian upland under long-term cultivation examined in the agro-chronosequences

Chernozems are the major component of soil cover in the forest-steppe of the Central Russian Upland. From our point of view, the best way to observe the effect of ploughing on Chernozems is the examination of soils with different durations of cultivation based on an agrochronosequence approach which was used in this stud

MESOLITHIC HUMAN BONES FROM THE UPPER VOLGA BASIN:RADIOCARBON AND TRACE ELEMENTS

Human bones from 3 Mesolithic sites in the Upper Volga basin were analyzed for trace elements, and dated by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The radiocarbon dates of the bones correspond to the Mesolithic era. However, some dates differ from those obtained for the enclosing deposits and for the worked wood fragments in the cultural layer. The elemental composition of the bones is interpreted in terms of increased concentrations of some elements and their impact on human health and behavior.</p

Soils with the second humus horizon, paleochernozems, and the history of pedogenesis at the border between forest and steppe areas

We consider the history of studies, systematization, geographic distribution, and modern properties of the SHH. On the basis of the analysis of Holocene paleosols, we try to characterize the prototype of the SHH, to estimate its age, and to trace stages of its development in the Holocen

MONKS AND ICON PAINTERS FROM THE SPASO-ANDRONIKOV MONASTERY, MOSCOW

In the Monastery of Our Saviour and St. Andronicus in Moscow, skeletal remains of clerics and of (possibly) famous icon painters were discovered. The bones were radiocarbon dated, and concentrations of trace elements in bone tissues were measured. From tombs 1-4, the (14)C dates obtained from human bones (likely monks) and from associated wood date to the 14th-15th centuries AD, as expected. Trace element concentrations indicate signs of fasting. Tomb 5 contained 2 burials; these Could belong to the famous icon painters Rublev and Chernyi. Indeed, the bones show high concentrations of lead, zinc, and copper, which is typical for remains of artists and metallurgists. The WC dates of the 2 skeletons, however, differ by 200 yr, and seem to be too old for Rublev and Chernyi. At this stage, it is not clear if the burials can be assigned to these painters.</p

Use of the paleosols from archaeological sites for the reconstruction of the environment of the Holocene in the forest and forest-steppe regions of the Eastern Europe and Western Siberia

Представлены результаты изучения эволюции палеопочв курганов лесных и лесостепных регионов Восточной Европы и Западной Сибири.The soils of the Russian and Western Siberia Plains were characterized by the contrasting evolution in the transitional zone from the forest to the steppe. The most famous phenomenon of the Holocene soil evolution is the second humus horizon (SH), which occurs in the profile of the Albeluvisols and other soils of the both plains. The complex use of the paleopedology and paleobotany methods allowed to install a meadow-steppe genesis of the initial soils — Chernozems, which served as a basis for the formation of the SH. This is clearly seen in the data of the studies of the soils (Chernozems and Phaeozems) which were buried under the ancient barrows. These barrows are located in the areas with SH at the Russian Plain. The beginning of Chernozems formation probably was in the Aller?d. During the Atlantic and first half of Subboreal periods humus horizon of these Сhernozems reached great thickness. Well-expressed carbonate horizon and paleokrotoviny were formed. The degradation of the Chernozems actively flowed from the mid Subboreal, due to that, the forest rapidly advanced on the steppe. For the study of the genesis of the SH and evolution of the Western Siberia soils during the Holocene, it is necessary to carry out studies soils of the Bronze Age mounds, located in modern forest zone and owned by nomads-herders. It is necessary to continue the study of archaeological sites of the Great Plains that will clarify the natural and anthropogenic trends of evolution of the soils in the Holocen

The 14C Age of Humic Substances in Paleosols

From the 16th International Radiocarbon Conference held in Gronigen, Netherlands, June 16-20, 1997.By comparing the radiocarbon age of the soils under burial mounds of known archaeological age with the surface-exposed (background) soils of the surrounding landscapes, we may evaluate the rates of humus renewal in these soils. In the cold climate of the mideastern areas of the Russian plains, the value of humus rejuvenation coefficient decreases. This shows that humus renewal is 5-10 times slower than in the warmer climate of the southern regions. Using the obtained data on the rejuvenation rate of humus substances, we can determine the age of paleosols and study the dynamics of the carbon exchange processes in the biosphere.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between Radiocarbon and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Radiocarbon archives are made available by Radiocarbon and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact [email protected] for further information.Migrated from OJS platform February 202

Soils with the second humus horizon, paleochernozems, and the history of pedogenesis at the border between forest and steppe areas

We consider the history of studies, systematization, geographic distribution, and modern properties of the SHH. On the basis of the analysis of Holocene paleosols, we try to characterize the prototype of the SHH, to estimate its age, and to trace stages of its development in the Holocen