The potential of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of foxtail and broomcorn millets for investigating ancient farming systems.

ABSTRACT: Foxtail and broomcorn millets are the most important crops in northern China since the early Neolithic. However, little evidence is available on how people managed these two crops in the past, especially in prehistory. Previous research on major C₃ crops in western Eurasia demonstrated the potential of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of charred archaeobotanical remains to reveal the management of water and manure, respectively. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of a similar approach to C₄ millets. Foxtail and broomcorn millet plants grown in pots in a greenhouse under different manuring and watering regimes were analysed to test the effects of management on stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of grains. Stable nitrogen isotope values of both millets

SUBMITTER: Dong Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9627502 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature