Burial mounds are several-thousand-year-old man-made formations, which are surpassingly valuable in botanical, zoological, landscape, archaeological and culturo-historical respects

OTKA T038272

A. Barczi – K. Joó – K. Penksza

Keywords: soil genetics, paleosoils, paleoecology

Burial mounds are several-thousand-year-old man-made formations, which are surpassingly valuable in botanical, zoological, landscape, archaeological and culturo-historical respects. The pedological and palaeoecological studies of them can provide information about the circumstances of their formation, the ecological conditions of that time, the soil formation processes since then, and about the soils buried by these hillocks.

According to our knowledge, the soil needed for the heaping was collected from the territory surrounding the mound. In consequence of the construction activity there has been shielded a several-thousand-year-old buried and conserved soil formation beneath the body of the kurgan, which may keep the main features of soil development of that time. It is supposed that studying of these soils can provide new, valuable pieces of information for pedology.

Intentions

The general characterization of the sample territory and its surroundings, with especial regard to the soil forming factors.

Botanical and microclimatological surveys.

Soil mapping combined with sampling.

Sampling with drill on the barrows and in their surroundings.

The testing of the samples, systemizing of the data into database.

Construction of GIS system with database connected to the digitalized maps.

Dating of the soils the sampled territory, reconstruction and characterization of the conditions of the soil formation and present and past ecological circumstances.

Recommendation (in topics of conservation, recultivation, etc.).

Expectable results

The studies will supposedly provide new information about the pace of soil formation, the features of buried ground levels, the ecological circumstances of the past and the soil development since then. The database related to the maps made by GIS supply some information not only for pedology, but for related branches of knowledge such as nature conservation and for agriculturists as well. By the means of research the anthropogenic affects endangering the soils can also be studied. The original vegetation identified with the analysis of pollens and seeds, and field surveyings can serve as guide to re-established the ancient vegetation, and for the reconstruction of the valuable steppes.