I am archaeologist interested in human - environment relationship: medieval settlement, historic mining, impact, contamination, GIS, Multivariate statistics.
I studied Archaeology and Physical Geography (both at Charles University in Prague). Now I am postdoc (Czech University of Life Sciences) with PhDs in Archaeology (Charles University in Prague) and Ecology (Czech University of Life Sciences).
I teach Environmental Archaeology at Charles University in Prague.
I am proud member of archaeological circle of Jiří Jura Kalferst! Supervisors: My supervisors are Jan Klápště and Michal Hejcman
<p>Our research on spatially bounded Iron Age enclosure of the Viereckschan... more <p>Our research on spatially bounded Iron Age enclosure of the Viereckschanze type in southern Bohemia made it possible to distinguish the anthropogenic influence of the Iron Age from modern human activities. We collected over 456 samples from 200 cores to a depth of up to one metre. Samples were measured using pXRF to determine the content of the following elements: Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb, and LE – ‘light elements’). Subsequent isometric log-transformation of ppm elemental contents and PCA allowed to distinguish the prehistoric anthropogenic influence from the current modern one. The result of the analysis is as follows: 1) the P signal typical for archaeological settlements was found mainly outside of the enclosure; 2) the conventional anthropogenic signal from the inside of the enclosure was only represented by Mn; 3) other elements related to possible anthropogenic activities were revealed only after applying statistical analysis (As, Pb, Zn, Cu); 4) the unusual manifestation of Si and Ti was connected to the archaeological contexts. The combination of these results (Cu, Zn, Pb) and magnetic measurements revealed places of metallurgical activity inside Viereckschanze. It is certain that the site was not only a place of residential activity, but also of production activity. Viereckschanze was only occupied for a short period of time.</p><p>The presented abstract is adapted from the article published in Catena in 2022.</p><p> </p><p>Acknowledgements:</p><div> <p>This work was supported by the Czech Science Foundation [Project: Mobility of materials and life cycles of artefacts: archaeometry of metals and glass of the La Tène and early Roman period; project number: 18-20096S]. M.J. was supported by project “Geochemical insight into non-destructive archaeological research” (LTC19016) of subprogram INTER‐COST (LTC19) of program INTEREXCELLENCE by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic.</p> </div>
Abstract Site formation processes at ancient tells in the southern Levant have been the focus of ... more Abstract Site formation processes at ancient tells in the southern Levant have been the focus of several micromorphological studies, contributing to the differentiation of anthropogenic remains from long-term natural sedimentation, occurring post-abandonment. This paper discusses how the study of sedimentary processes and chemical compositions of sediments can be used within the context of an ongoing archaeological project, and how they can contribute to archaeological, historical and geomorphological interpretations. Sedimentary processes were studied implementing POSL, granulometry and PXRF as part of the archaeological research at Tel Burna, Israel. Focusing on the area along the north western fortification walls (Area B2), data was collected from multiple strata inside and outside the casemate fortifications dating from the Late Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age. The gradual increase of OSL values obtained inside the casemate wall, indicate accumulation of sediment during a long period of time. Whereas similar values along the entire profile outside the casemate wall indicate sediment accumulation in one-time event. This might be related to defensive preparations, allegedly in response to advances made by Sennacherib's army in 701 BCE. In addition, results from the PXRF studies demonstrated correlation between human activities and the Cu, P, K, Zn, Mn values. Specifically, it was found that as K content increased from younger to older periods, it can be used as a pseudo-dating element. Ca content decreased as sampling descended from the tell's surface, suggesting its origin in long-term aeolian processes. The results show that the use of POSL and PXRF on archaeological contexts are useful for determining sedimentary processes. Furthermore, chemical content enabled pseudo-dating of strata and facilitated the distinction between natural and anthropogenic processes in archaeological sites and landscape.
We present a geochemical analysis of a specific Iron Age type of site known as the Viereckschanze... more We present a geochemical analysis of a specific Iron Age type of site known as the Viereckschanze – a square enclosure located in Bělčice, southern Bohemia. We performed soil coring from the topsoil to ca 100 cm depth, with 200 cores (divided into 456 samples). The samples were measured using portable XRF and the final dataset comprised 16 elements (Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb, and LE – ‘light elements’). Because of the compositional character of data expressed in ppm, the data were transformed using isometric log-ratio transformation, which enabled them to carry out a multivariate analysis. This made it possible to determine the anthropogenic and natural content of elements. The site was specific when compared to usual archaeological sites for its ‘unconventional’ chemical signal: 1) the P signal typical for archaeological settlements was found mainly outside of the enclosure; 2) the conventional anthropogenic signal from the inside of the enclosure was only represented by Mn; 3) other elements related to possible anthropogenic activities were revealed only after applying statistical analysis (specifically As, Pb, Zn, Cu); 4) the unusual manifestation of Si and Ti (usually natural signals) strongly connected to anthropogenic contexts was observed. Increased contents of Cu, Zn and especially Pb were recorded in places indicated by previous magnetic measurements which were possibly related to an onsite metalworking activity. Such results could be characterised as a mixture of typical human-related signals (represented mainly by P and Mn) and typical natural signals (like Si, and Ti). These observations corroborate the hypothesis of a specificity of the Viereckschanzen. They did not have to be used exclusively for residential purposes and could have had a different, more complex socio-economic role in the past. Last but not least, their occupation was probably also rather short-time.
Abstract Can less than a hundred years of past settlement activities in former European settlemen... more Abstract Can less than a hundred years of past settlement activities in former European settlements substantially increase the concentration of elements and result in the formation of African Dark Earth soil is a question not addressed. We performed multi–element analysis of Africa Dark Earth soil from a late 19th to mid–20th century CE former German–Togoland settlement, Ziavi–Galenkuito in the Volta Region, Ghana. Relatively neutral reaction and black color of soil mainly from charcoal inclusion in the settlement site contrasted highly with moderately acidic brown Ferric Acrisol in the control located on the same metasedimentary/Voltaian bedrock. Organic C and total N, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr and Rb concentrations were substantially increased and vice–versa for the C/N ratio in the 0–40 cm layer of the settlement soil compared to the control without settlement activities. The concentrations of plant–available P, K, Ca, S, Fe, Cu and Zn were higher in the settlement soil in comparison to the control. The increased concentrations of the elements mentioned above resulted in the disposition of organic waste and biomass ash. Significantly higher concentrations of total and plant–available elements in 0–10, 10–20 and 20–40 cm layers of settlement site compared to their respective control suggested that chemical signatures from past settlement activities can be determined even in the upper soil layer. Positive correlations between the concentration of P and K, Mn, Sr, Fe, Ca, Zn, Rb, Cu implied that these elements were indicators of past settlement activities. The concentrations of total and plant–available P, K, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn were well correlated; however, total elements concentrations are much suitable for geoarchaeological purposes as it is easy to calculate enrichment factors. We concluded that intensive human settlement activities in even
We examined whether it is possible to relate concentrations of trace elements in alluvial sedimen... more We examined whether it is possible to relate concentrations of trace elements in alluvial sediments with records concerning the intensity of mining, and use them as a means of dating. We conducted our research in the medieval mining district of the town of Kutná Hora in the Czech Republic. Samples were collected under the pond dam and analysed for clay, silt and sand content and for As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn concentrations. We observed two main peaks of element concentrations (Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, V and Zn), independent of grain fractions. The peaks were interpreted as a result of human activity. The concentration curves, stratigraphy and location of the dam/alluvium boundary were compared with historical records of mining production. This means of dam dating into the 16th century agreed with historical dating from written sources. Trace elements were also successfully used as stratigraphic markers. The comparison between concentration patterns of V and other w...
Flora - Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, 2013
ABSTRACT Little is known about the effects of either long-term cutting with herbage removal or no... more ABSTRACT Little is known about the effects of either long-term cutting with herbage removal or no management on the nutritional status of Agrostis capillaris and Festuca rubra meadows. We asked how management affected soil and herbage chemical properties, herbage yield and sward height. The experiment with cutting (C) and unmanaged (U) treatments was undertaken from 1999 to 2009 in the Jizera Mts., Czech Republic. Soil and herbage samples were taken from 2003 to 2009. Potassium was the only nutrient for which the soil concentration decreased under the C treatment. Soil K concentration was 175 and 210 mg kg−1 in the C and U treatments, respectively, in the last year of the experiment. Herbage yield as well as sward height were significantly higher in the unmanaged than in the cutting treatment in all years. Concentrations of P and K in the herbage biomass were lower in the cutting than in the unmanaged treatment, but concentrations of N were lower only in some years. Concentrations of Ca and Mg were not affected by the different treatments. A strong positive relationship between concentration in soil and herbage was recorded only for K. In contrast to K, ten years of contrasting management was too short a period to affect plant-available (Mehlich III) P, Ca and Mg concentrations, but it was long enough to affect herbage chemical properties and yield.
Rapidly changing climate, growing inequalities, migration, and social changes pose a great challe... more Rapidly changing climate, growing inequalities, migration, and social changes pose a great challenge to social sciences and humanities. They are facing a question of their role and contribution in the modern world. Among them, archaeology and history seem to be especially entitled to provide insights into the modern-day problems because they study human development in long-term perspectives and the reasons behind social, economic, and environmental changes. Archaeology and history can evaluate past processes in their context and can overcome simplistic present-past analogies. They can provide such a context to other disciplines which use historical data, like environmental and life sciences, climatology, or sociology. This session intends to create an opportunity for a meeting and discussion concentrated around a central theme: has applied archaeology a viable potential for future? This central question leads us to a variety of important issues, like: 1) What does archaeology as a discipline need to be successfully applied? 2) Is there a viable network of specialists able to guide archaeology this way? 3) Archaeological data in other disciplines-ensuring their availability (and standardisation?), ensuring their correct interpretation. 4) Environmental and conservation issues-what people did in the past (human impact), how they dealt with the world (landscape / nature management). 5) How can archaeology contribute to present social issues like migration or racism? 6) How to correctly use historical parallels and how to deal with problems of ahistoricism (lack of correct context). We invite to discuss and to be involved people from various fields of archaeology to share their view on applied archaeology. We believe it can create great potential for networking, sharing ideas an d experiences, and looking for opportunities for future cooperation.
Interdisciplinaria Archaeologica. Natural Sciences in Archaeology, 2017
Spindelbach was a Waldhufendorf type of village, i.e. every household could manage its own fields... more Spindelbach was a Waldhufendorf type of village, i.e. every household could manage its own fields independently of other households. Our study has importance for research on the economic and social development between the Medieval and Modern Era and for studies of human impact. Performing soil and geochemical mapping, we have identified four geochemical factors in a clearly interpretable pattern: 1) general geology and soil environment (represented mainly by Al, Si, K, Ti, Rb, Sr and Zr) contrasting with the soil organic matter and with pollution coming from atmospheric deposition (P, As, Pb and LE – elements from H to Na); 2) modern pollution and possible historical human activity (mainly As and Pb vs Zn, Fe and Mn); 3) historical human activity related to the village (Zn and Sr); and 4) additional historical human activity of another spatial pattern (P). Although there was no unambiguous relation between podzolization and the human activities observed, generally podzol development was very rapid (it was positively observed on sites ploughed ca 600 years ago). Differences among the households’ agricultural managements were observed; these could be based on: 1) types of land use in the village area; 2) management intensity; and 3) the subjective management preferences of the peasants. The differences were manifested by their intensity and by their spatial distribution.
<p>Our research on spatially bounded Iron Age enclosure of the Viereckschan... more <p>Our research on spatially bounded Iron Age enclosure of the Viereckschanze type in southern Bohemia made it possible to distinguish the anthropogenic influence of the Iron Age from modern human activities. We collected over 456 samples from 200 cores to a depth of up to one metre. Samples were measured using pXRF to determine the content of the following elements: Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb, and LE – ‘light elements’). Subsequent isometric log-transformation of ppm elemental contents and PCA allowed to distinguish the prehistoric anthropogenic influence from the current modern one. The result of the analysis is as follows: 1) the P signal typical for archaeological settlements was found mainly outside of the enclosure; 2) the conventional anthropogenic signal from the inside of the enclosure was only represented by Mn; 3) other elements related to possible anthropogenic activities were revealed only after applying statistical analysis (As, Pb, Zn, Cu); 4) the unusual manifestation of Si and Ti was connected to the archaeological contexts. The combination of these results (Cu, Zn, Pb) and magnetic measurements revealed places of metallurgical activity inside Viereckschanze. It is certain that the site was not only a place of residential activity, but also of production activity. Viereckschanze was only occupied for a short period of time.</p><p>The presented abstract is adapted from the article published in Catena in 2022.</p><p> </p><p>Acknowledgements:</p><div> <p>This work was supported by the Czech Science Foundation [Project: Mobility of materials and life cycles of artefacts: archaeometry of metals and glass of the La Tène and early Roman period; project number: 18-20096S]. M.J. was supported by project “Geochemical insight into non-destructive archaeological research” (LTC19016) of subprogram INTER‐COST (LTC19) of program INTEREXCELLENCE by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic.</p> </div>
Abstract Site formation processes at ancient tells in the southern Levant have been the focus of ... more Abstract Site formation processes at ancient tells in the southern Levant have been the focus of several micromorphological studies, contributing to the differentiation of anthropogenic remains from long-term natural sedimentation, occurring post-abandonment. This paper discusses how the study of sedimentary processes and chemical compositions of sediments can be used within the context of an ongoing archaeological project, and how they can contribute to archaeological, historical and geomorphological interpretations. Sedimentary processes were studied implementing POSL, granulometry and PXRF as part of the archaeological research at Tel Burna, Israel. Focusing on the area along the north western fortification walls (Area B2), data was collected from multiple strata inside and outside the casemate fortifications dating from the Late Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age. The gradual increase of OSL values obtained inside the casemate wall, indicate accumulation of sediment during a long period of time. Whereas similar values along the entire profile outside the casemate wall indicate sediment accumulation in one-time event. This might be related to defensive preparations, allegedly in response to advances made by Sennacherib's army in 701 BCE. In addition, results from the PXRF studies demonstrated correlation between human activities and the Cu, P, K, Zn, Mn values. Specifically, it was found that as K content increased from younger to older periods, it can be used as a pseudo-dating element. Ca content decreased as sampling descended from the tell's surface, suggesting its origin in long-term aeolian processes. The results show that the use of POSL and PXRF on archaeological contexts are useful for determining sedimentary processes. Furthermore, chemical content enabled pseudo-dating of strata and facilitated the distinction between natural and anthropogenic processes in archaeological sites and landscape.
We present a geochemical analysis of a specific Iron Age type of site known as the Viereckschanze... more We present a geochemical analysis of a specific Iron Age type of site known as the Viereckschanze – a square enclosure located in Bělčice, southern Bohemia. We performed soil coring from the topsoil to ca 100 cm depth, with 200 cores (divided into 456 samples). The samples were measured using portable XRF and the final dataset comprised 16 elements (Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb, and LE – ‘light elements’). Because of the compositional character of data expressed in ppm, the data were transformed using isometric log-ratio transformation, which enabled them to carry out a multivariate analysis. This made it possible to determine the anthropogenic and natural content of elements. The site was specific when compared to usual archaeological sites for its ‘unconventional’ chemical signal: 1) the P signal typical for archaeological settlements was found mainly outside of the enclosure; 2) the conventional anthropogenic signal from the inside of the enclosure was only represented by Mn; 3) other elements related to possible anthropogenic activities were revealed only after applying statistical analysis (specifically As, Pb, Zn, Cu); 4) the unusual manifestation of Si and Ti (usually natural signals) strongly connected to anthropogenic contexts was observed. Increased contents of Cu, Zn and especially Pb were recorded in places indicated by previous magnetic measurements which were possibly related to an onsite metalworking activity. Such results could be characterised as a mixture of typical human-related signals (represented mainly by P and Mn) and typical natural signals (like Si, and Ti). These observations corroborate the hypothesis of a specificity of the Viereckschanzen. They did not have to be used exclusively for residential purposes and could have had a different, more complex socio-economic role in the past. Last but not least, their occupation was probably also rather short-time.
Abstract Can less than a hundred years of past settlement activities in former European settlemen... more Abstract Can less than a hundred years of past settlement activities in former European settlements substantially increase the concentration of elements and result in the formation of African Dark Earth soil is a question not addressed. We performed multi–element analysis of Africa Dark Earth soil from a late 19th to mid–20th century CE former German–Togoland settlement, Ziavi–Galenkuito in the Volta Region, Ghana. Relatively neutral reaction and black color of soil mainly from charcoal inclusion in the settlement site contrasted highly with moderately acidic brown Ferric Acrisol in the control located on the same metasedimentary/Voltaian bedrock. Organic C and total N, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr and Rb concentrations were substantially increased and vice–versa for the C/N ratio in the 0–40 cm layer of the settlement soil compared to the control without settlement activities. The concentrations of plant–available P, K, Ca, S, Fe, Cu and Zn were higher in the settlement soil in comparison to the control. The increased concentrations of the elements mentioned above resulted in the disposition of organic waste and biomass ash. Significantly higher concentrations of total and plant–available elements in 0–10, 10–20 and 20–40 cm layers of settlement site compared to their respective control suggested that chemical signatures from past settlement activities can be determined even in the upper soil layer. Positive correlations between the concentration of P and K, Mn, Sr, Fe, Ca, Zn, Rb, Cu implied that these elements were indicators of past settlement activities. The concentrations of total and plant–available P, K, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn were well correlated; however, total elements concentrations are much suitable for geoarchaeological purposes as it is easy to calculate enrichment factors. We concluded that intensive human settlement activities in even
We examined whether it is possible to relate concentrations of trace elements in alluvial sedimen... more We examined whether it is possible to relate concentrations of trace elements in alluvial sediments with records concerning the intensity of mining, and use them as a means of dating. We conducted our research in the medieval mining district of the town of Kutná Hora in the Czech Republic. Samples were collected under the pond dam and analysed for clay, silt and sand content and for As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn concentrations. We observed two main peaks of element concentrations (Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, V and Zn), independent of grain fractions. The peaks were interpreted as a result of human activity. The concentration curves, stratigraphy and location of the dam/alluvium boundary were compared with historical records of mining production. This means of dam dating into the 16th century agreed with historical dating from written sources. Trace elements were also successfully used as stratigraphic markers. The comparison between concentration patterns of V and other w...
Flora - Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, 2013
ABSTRACT Little is known about the effects of either long-term cutting with herbage removal or no... more ABSTRACT Little is known about the effects of either long-term cutting with herbage removal or no management on the nutritional status of Agrostis capillaris and Festuca rubra meadows. We asked how management affected soil and herbage chemical properties, herbage yield and sward height. The experiment with cutting (C) and unmanaged (U) treatments was undertaken from 1999 to 2009 in the Jizera Mts., Czech Republic. Soil and herbage samples were taken from 2003 to 2009. Potassium was the only nutrient for which the soil concentration decreased under the C treatment. Soil K concentration was 175 and 210 mg kg−1 in the C and U treatments, respectively, in the last year of the experiment. Herbage yield as well as sward height were significantly higher in the unmanaged than in the cutting treatment in all years. Concentrations of P and K in the herbage biomass were lower in the cutting than in the unmanaged treatment, but concentrations of N were lower only in some years. Concentrations of Ca and Mg were not affected by the different treatments. A strong positive relationship between concentration in soil and herbage was recorded only for K. In contrast to K, ten years of contrasting management was too short a period to affect plant-available (Mehlich III) P, Ca and Mg concentrations, but it was long enough to affect herbage chemical properties and yield.
Rapidly changing climate, growing inequalities, migration, and social changes pose a great challe... more Rapidly changing climate, growing inequalities, migration, and social changes pose a great challenge to social sciences and humanities. They are facing a question of their role and contribution in the modern world. Among them, archaeology and history seem to be especially entitled to provide insights into the modern-day problems because they study human development in long-term perspectives and the reasons behind social, economic, and environmental changes. Archaeology and history can evaluate past processes in their context and can overcome simplistic present-past analogies. They can provide such a context to other disciplines which use historical data, like environmental and life sciences, climatology, or sociology. This session intends to create an opportunity for a meeting and discussion concentrated around a central theme: has applied archaeology a viable potential for future? This central question leads us to a variety of important issues, like: 1) What does archaeology as a discipline need to be successfully applied? 2) Is there a viable network of specialists able to guide archaeology this way? 3) Archaeological data in other disciplines-ensuring their availability (and standardisation?), ensuring their correct interpretation. 4) Environmental and conservation issues-what people did in the past (human impact), how they dealt with the world (landscape / nature management). 5) How can archaeology contribute to present social issues like migration or racism? 6) How to correctly use historical parallels and how to deal with problems of ahistoricism (lack of correct context). We invite to discuss and to be involved people from various fields of archaeology to share their view on applied archaeology. We believe it can create great potential for networking, sharing ideas an d experiences, and looking for opportunities for future cooperation.
Interdisciplinaria Archaeologica. Natural Sciences in Archaeology, 2017
Spindelbach was a Waldhufendorf type of village, i.e. every household could manage its own fields... more Spindelbach was a Waldhufendorf type of village, i.e. every household could manage its own fields independently of other households. Our study has importance for research on the economic and social development between the Medieval and Modern Era and for studies of human impact. Performing soil and geochemical mapping, we have identified four geochemical factors in a clearly interpretable pattern: 1) general geology and soil environment (represented mainly by Al, Si, K, Ti, Rb, Sr and Zr) contrasting with the soil organic matter and with pollution coming from atmospheric deposition (P, As, Pb and LE – elements from H to Na); 2) modern pollution and possible historical human activity (mainly As and Pb vs Zn, Fe and Mn); 3) historical human activity related to the village (Zn and Sr); and 4) additional historical human activity of another spatial pattern (P). Although there was no unambiguous relation between podzolization and the human activities observed, generally podzol development was very rapid (it was positively observed on sites ploughed ca 600 years ago). Differences among the households’ agricultural managements were observed; these could be based on: 1) types of land use in the village area; 2) management intensity; and 3) the subjective management preferences of the peasants. The differences were manifested by their intensity and by their spatial distribution.
The study brings results of research of Spindelbach – a late medieval village from the Ridge of O... more The study brings results of research of Spindelbach – a late medieval village from the Ridge of Ore Mountains on the border of Czechia and Germany. The village was a candidate of site with non-agrarian economic activities. It was a Waldhufendorf type of village. It meant that every household could manage its fields independently on other households. There were many Waldhufendorf villages in the Ore Mountains area. Majority of them still exist or have been abandoned after World War II. Medieval Spindelbach served well for testing the soil and geochemical methods for finding assumed differences in households' parcels fields' management. We see the utilized possibility to analyse soils with respect to particular possessions as one of the main message of the paper. It has an importance for research of economy and social development and differentiation between medieval and modern era. It also touches the research of non-agricultural activities in medieval villages and the relationship between human impact and pedogenesis. We performed soil and geochemical mapping. Geochemically, we identified 4 components acting on site: i) general geology and soil environment (bedrock and organic matter; Al, Si, K, Ti, Mn, Fe, Rb, Sr, Zr vs Pb and LE – elements from H to Na); ii) modern pollution and possible historical human activity (As, Pb vs Zn and Mn); iii) historical human agricultural activity related to the village (P, As, Pb); iv) probably also human activity not identified (P). There was no clear relation of podzolization to human activities observed. The differences among households' agricultural managements were observed; they could be based on: i) land use types in village area (mainly arable fields and pastures / meadows); ii) management intensity; iii) subjective management preferences of peasants; iv) non-agricultural economic activities. They were manifested not only by their volume or intensity, but also by their spatial distribution. The third component (P, As, Pb) was well related to the village, the fourth component (P) was of possible, but not clearly interpreted relation to the village. The differences were observed through interpolation and visualization techniques. Since this way is prone to be influenced by bias (mainly by settings of techniques), also ANOVA was used. It revealed the differences, although not so strongly as interpolation. The research results can be used for planning of future research on Spindelbach; they also show the usefulness of these methods on general level. Statistics PCA extracted 4 components acting on site: PCA1: general geology and soil environment (bedrock and organic matter; Al, Si, K, Ti, Mn, Fe, Rb, Sr, Zr vs Pb and LE – elements from H to Na); PCA2: modern pollution and possible historical human activity (As, Pb vs Zn and Mn); PCA3: historical human agricultural activity related to the village (P, As, Pb); PCA4: probably also human activity, spatially not clear pattern (P). Methods Only northeastern part of field system is well preserved. We identified 13 parcel strips, some in the form of the terraces. We performed 120 dug probes in fields, and 5 probes in " background " area (Figure 1). We did the description, foto documentation and performed direct XRF measurement of elemental concentrations in accordance to soil horizons.
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Papers by Jan Horák
independently of other households. Our study has importance for research on the economic and social
development between the Medieval and Modern Era and for studies of human impact. Performing
soil and geochemical mapping, we have identified four geochemical factors in a clearly interpretable
pattern: 1) general geology and soil environment (represented mainly by Al, Si, K, Ti, Rb, Sr and
Zr) contrasting with the soil organic matter and with pollution coming from atmospheric deposition
(P, As, Pb and LE – elements from H to Na); 2) modern pollution and possible historical human
activity (mainly As and Pb vs Zn, Fe and Mn); 3) historical human activity related to the village
(Zn and Sr); and 4) additional historical human activity of another spatial pattern (P). Although there
was no unambiguous relation between podzolization and the human activities observed, generally
podzol development was very rapid (it was positively observed on sites ploughed ca 600 years ago).
Differences among the households’ agricultural managements were observed; these could be based on:
1) types of land use in the village area; 2) management intensity; and 3) the subjective management
preferences of the peasants. The differences were manifested by their intensity and by their spatial
distribution.
independently of other households. Our study has importance for research on the economic and social
development between the Medieval and Modern Era and for studies of human impact. Performing
soil and geochemical mapping, we have identified four geochemical factors in a clearly interpretable
pattern: 1) general geology and soil environment (represented mainly by Al, Si, K, Ti, Rb, Sr and
Zr) contrasting with the soil organic matter and with pollution coming from atmospheric deposition
(P, As, Pb and LE – elements from H to Na); 2) modern pollution and possible historical human
activity (mainly As and Pb vs Zn, Fe and Mn); 3) historical human activity related to the village
(Zn and Sr); and 4) additional historical human activity of another spatial pattern (P). Although there
was no unambiguous relation between podzolization and the human activities observed, generally
podzol development was very rapid (it was positively observed on sites ploughed ca 600 years ago).
Differences among the households’ agricultural managements were observed; these could be based on:
1) types of land use in the village area; 2) management intensity; and 3) the subjective management
preferences of the peasants. The differences were manifested by their intensity and by their spatial
distribution.