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

This paper examines the impact of animal manure on δ 15 N and δ 13 C 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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archaeological and anthropological sciences 2016-09, Vol.8 (3), p.555-562
Main Authors: Treasure, Edward R., Church, Mike J., Gröcke, Darren R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anthropology
Archaeology
Chemistry/Food Science
Cultivation
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Geography
Life Sciences
Original Paper
Paleobotany
Sheep
Sheep manure
Stable isotopes
Values
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Summary:This paper examines the impact of animal manure on δ 15 N and δ 13 C 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 δ 15 N values in beans, stems, leaves and pods. In comparison, manuring had a relatively small impact on δ 13 C values. In terms of palaeodietary reconstructions, the high δ 15 N values in very intensively manured beans (+3 ‰) are equivalent to the trophic-level effect. Based on the experimental results, it is suggested that high δ 15 N values in archaeobotanical remains of V. faba may be attributable to small-scale cultivation with intensive manuring.
ISSN:1866-9557
1866-9565
DOI:10.1007/s12520-015-0243-6