Reclamation of ancient agricultural terraces in the Negev Highlands; soil, archeological, hydrological, and topographical perspectives

Sapir, Tal; Mor‐Mussery, Amir; Abu‐Glion, Hiam; Sariy, Gregory; Zaady, Eli

doi:10.1002/ldr.4536

Cited by 4 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 64 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The previous studies on TDC dealt with the ecological processes in the ‘runoff contributing area’ and the trench of the TDC without considering the hydrological process between the TDC landforms and the dike units. The study hypothesizes similar to other ones on water catchments in arid regions, such as check dammed gully terraces (Mor‐Mussery, Ben‐Eli, & Leu, 2022) and ancient wadi terraces (Sapir et al, 2022), that the TDC functions as a multi‐sectional, dynamically hydrologically connected system.…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 78%

“…The single TDC is influenced by the topographic patterns of the system (altitude and aspect), similar to other chained water catchments over a cluttered landscape, such as the ‘wadi terraces’ (Mor‐Mussery, Ben‐Eli, & Leu, 2022) and ‘slope terraces’ (Sapir et al, 2022). The TDC altitude is positively correlated to the SMC or its' biological indicator, the HBW (as found in two sites; Sayeret Shaked forest LTER and Mishmar Hanegev forest).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…The agricultural utilization of an agricultural system, which is based on runoff water, is tightly correlated to the hydrological interrelations between its' composing landforms, as was indicated by Kutílek and Nielsen (1994), and found in‐field in check dammed gully terraces (Mor‐Mussery, Ben‐Eli, & Leu, 2022) and in ancient wadi terraces (Sapir et al, 2022). Therefore, this study hypothesizes that the main reason for the limited agricultural utilization of the TDC system is the lack of hydrological data on their functioning.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…Salinity was determined by the Electrical conductivity‐EC (Corwin, 2021), and fertility by SOM content (Sarah, 2006). The land stability was determined by incisional patterns (Mor‐Mussery, Ben‐Eli, & Leu, 2022), and two biological indicators: biocrust development state, which has been indicated by the polysaccharides content (Sapir et al, 2022) and species biodiversity as Vidrih and Lobnik (2003) noted: ‘key indicator for a land stability and productivity is succession’. The measurement procedure in the laboratory is summarized in Table 2.…”

Section: Tools and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Influence of topographic patterns on TDC functioningThe single TDC is influenced by the topographic patterns of the system (altitude and aspect), similar to other chained water catchments over a cluttered landscape, such as the 'wadi terraces' (Mor-Mussery, Ben-Eli, & Leu, 2022) and 'slope terraces'(Sapir et al, 2022). TheF I G U R E 1 0 Herbaceous biomass weight (HBW) (a biological indicator for hydrological state).…”

mentioning

confidence: 98%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Trenched and diked contours for sustainable agricultural utilization in changing world; soil hydrological, geomorphological, and physical perspectives from over 70 years of implementation in the Northern Negev

et al. 2023

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Trenched and diked contours (TDC) are used in hilly arid regions worldwide to reduce runoff and soil erosion. The TDC is based on three parts: ‘runoff contributing area’, trench, and adjacent soil dike on the hillslope contours. Surveys over the Northern Negev indicate the hydrological interrelation between the inter‐dike surface and the dike. This study hypothesized that all the TDC parts are hydrologically interrelated. The objective is to analyze the soil's physical properties that influence the interrelation from dike construction until maturation and the influences of these interrelations on soil fertility, salinity, and stability. TDC systems, also known as ‘Shikim’, were constructed by the KKL‐JNF (Karen Kayemet L'Israel. The Jewish National Foundation) all over the hills of the Northern Negev, the semiarid region of Israel, from the 1950s until present, which gives the ability to analyze the dynamic of water flows inside the TDC s along their existence. The findings indicate three hydrological interrelations, (i) From the ‘runoff contributing area’ into the trench, which differs between the planted and un‐planted types; (ii) From the trench into the dike; (iii) and water migration in the ‘dike’ medium. Along the TDC maturation, the intensity of biological influences on these interrelations increases, leading to increased water mobilization to the trench (planting strip) and into the dike medium. The water migration in the ‘dike’ leads to forming of a soil bed adequate for sustainable agricultural utilization in its' downslope face. The finding of this study will maximize the agricultural utilization of the TDCs and their profitability.

show abstract

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Section: Tools and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 98%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Trenched and diked contours for sustainable agricultural utilization in changing world; soil hydrological, geomorphological, and physical perspectives from over 70 years of implementation in the Northern Negev

et al. 2023

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Ancient agricultural terrace walls control floods and regulate the distribution of Asphodelus ramosus geophytes in the Israeli arid Negev

Stavi,

Eldad,

et al. 2024

CATENA

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The impact of agriculture on tropical mountain soils in the western Peruvian Andes: a pedo-geoarchaeological study of terrace agricultural systems in the Laramate region (14.5° S)

Leceta,

Binder,

Mader

et al. 2024

SOIL

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. This integrated pedo-geoarchaeological study focuses on three abandoned pre-Hispanic terrace agricultural systems near Laramate in the southern Andes of Peru (14.5° S), aiming to unravel the pedological and land-use history of the region, which served as a significant agricultural hub during pre-Hispanic times. The key objectives of the investigation involved contextualizing the former agricultural management system within its geomorphological and palaeoecological framework and assessing the impact of agricultural practices on soil development and quality by comparing non-irrigated agricultural terrace soils with their undisturbed palaeo-pedological counterparts. The Laramate terrace complex, with its diverse terrace systems and varied geomorphological and geological settings, provided an ideal setting for the investigation. This comprehensive examination integrated a range of methodologies, including field surveys, digital mapping, and geomorphological analysis based on GIS and remote sensing applications, soil analysis (e.g. grain size, bulk chemistry, nutrient budget), plant microfossils (phytoliths and starch), and radiocarbon dating. In the Laramate region, the geomorphological setting of terrace agricultural systems promotes their optimal functioning. The terraces are often located in sun-sheltered areas with western exposure on middle and lower slopes or valley bottoms, which mitigate intense solar radiation, reduce evapotranspiration, increase soil moisture, and minimize erosion. The study identifies three soil groups in the Laramate region: Phaeozems, Andosols, and Anthrosols. Unique characteristics of Phaeozems challenge typical descriptions, influenced by factors such as climatic seasonality, vegetation, fauna, lithology, and aeolian inputs. The terrace soils in the Laramate region are classified as Terric Anthrosols, showing no significant degradation even after long-term use. Their balanced acidity and nutrient levels support Andean crop cultivation. Traditional non-mechanized tools, such as the chaquitaclla and rucana, likely minimized soil disruption. The terrace tillage horizons have high organic matter, indicating intentional organic manuring. Phytolith concentrations suggest intensive agricultural activity, particularly maize cultivation, with varying patterns suggesting changes in cultivation, fertilization, or mulching practices over time. Starch grain identification aligns with phytolith analyses, reinforcing maize's significance in the region. Although the use of animal-origin fertilizers requires further investigation, there is no evidence of nutrient maintenance through seasonal burning. Irrigation was minimal, and the abandonment of the pre-Hispanic cultivation system was unlikely due to soil exhaustion or terrace instability. Overall, the pre-Hispanic history of terrace agriculture in the Laramate region extends over four development phases, reflecting dynamic interactions between environmental, cultural, and agricultural factors. The initial phase, from the Formative Paracas period to the Early Nasca period (800 BCE–200 CE), witnessed the establishment of agricultural terraces with simple terrace architecture, while the Middle Horizon (600–1000 CE) saw systematic areal expansion influenced by the Wari culture. Adaptations to drier conditions included terrace agriculture on volcanic soils. The Late Intermediate period (1000–1450 CE) witnessed hydrological variability and further terrace expansion to lower altitudes and less agriculturally suitable locations. The final phase, marked by the onset of the Hispanic colonial period in 1535 CE, saw the gradual abandonment of terrace agricultural systems due to demographic shifts and reorganization of production systems. Despite this, the historical trajectory underscores the adaptability and resilience of pre-Hispanic communities in the Laramate region, showcasing innovative terrace agriculture as a means of coping with changing environmental conditions across diverse landscape units.

show abstract

Reclamation of ancient agricultural terraces in the Negev Highlands; soil, archeological, hydrological, and topographical perspectives

Cited by 4 publications

References 64 publications

Trenched and diked contours for sustainable agricultural utilization in changing world; soil hydrological, geomorphological, and physical perspectives from over 70 years of implementation in the Northern Negev

Trenched and diked contours for sustainable agricultural utilization in changing world; soil hydrological, geomorphological, and physical perspectives from over 70 years of implementation in the Northern Negev

Ancient agricultural terrace walls control floods and regulate the distribution of Asphodelus ramosus geophytes in the Israeli arid Negev

The impact of agriculture on tropical mountain soils in the western Peruvian Andes: a pedo-geoarchaeological study of terrace agricultural systems in the Laramate region (14.5° S)

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About