The researchers showed how soil erosion evolved and why. They analyzed sediments spanning 5,000 years, targeting molecular markers of erosion and fire, and compared these with reconstructions of regional vegetation and hydroclimate. The approach revealed when different drivers dominated landscape change across the Maritime Continent.
They partitioned the past 5,000 years into phases of shifting erosion and matched these with other indicators. Farming began in the region about 3,500 years ago. Fire markers rose without changes in vegetation or humidity, pointing to slash and burn clearing. "Such early farming practices likely made soils more susceptible to erosion," said lead author Yanming Ruan.
Dr. Enno Schefuss of MARUM said: "In order to assess the influence of humans on the climate and environment, one must compare the current situation with an uninfluenced period. Our results show that we need to look back much further. In this case, we are talking about the 'deep root of the Anthropocene', i.e. the period in which humans have had a major impact on the natural environment and climate."
According to the study, permanent, more intensive agriculture produced the most severe soil erosion in roughly 500 years, amplified by strong monsoon rains. With continued global warming likely to bring more frequent and heavier rainfall in Indonesia, the team warns erosion could accelerate further, threatening natural resources.
Research Report:Late Holocene human impact on tropical soil erosion in the Maritime Continent.
Related Links
MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen
Darwin Today At TerraDaily.com
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