Holocene vegetation development in Bela krajina (Slovenia) and the impact of first farmers on the landscape

Abstract

This study examines the variability of the Holocene landscape and the extent of human impact on the vegetation of Bela krajina region (southeastern Slovenia). Pollen and microcharcoal records of two small palaeoecological sites Mlaka and Griblje (G3), located just c. 10 km apart, indicate that human impact, manifested as forest clearance and burning, was significant throughout the Holocene and led to change of forest composition, impoverishment of soils, increased biodiversity and formation of a mosaic landscape with significant differences between the two sites. On both sites the strongest human impact associated with Fagus decline and the appearance of taxa characteristic for meadows, fields and pastures was detected from approximately 6000 cal. yr. BP onwards. However, differences between study sites were significant. At Mlaka, located on predominantly limestone bedrock, the human impact was very intensive and the present-day open landscape was formed by the Mediaeval period at c. 1000 cal. BP. In comparison the landscape around Griblje (on sandy bedrock) remained predominantly forested to the present.