Origin and history of grasslands in Central Europe – a review (original) (raw)

Abstract

In terms of origin, grasslands in Central Europe can be classified into (i) natural grasslands, predetermined by environmental conditions and wild herbivores; (ii) seminatural grasslands, associated with long-term human activity from the beginning of agriculture during the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition; and (iii) improved (intensive) grasslands, a product of modern agriculture based on sown and highly productive forage grasses and legumes. This review discusses the origin, history and development of grasslands in Central Europe from the Holocene (9500 BC) to recent times, using archaeobotanical (pollen and macroremains), archaeozoological (molluscs, dung beetles, animal bones) and archaeological evidence, together with written and iconographic resources and recent analogies.

Key takeaways

AI

1. Grasslands in Central Europe are classified into natural, seminatural, and improved categories based on origins.
2. Natural grasslands were minimal, covering only about 5% of Central Europe's land area historically.
3. Seminatural grasslands emerged with Neolithic agriculture, showing a rich diversity of 1-67 species per m².
4. Historical evidence from Roman texts and archaeological findings highlights early grassland management practices.
5. Recent studies illustrate significant shifts in grassland areas due to political and agricultural changes since the 17th century.

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

References (1)

1. W I L S O N J.B., P E E T R.K., D E N G L E R J. and P € AR T E L M. (2012) Plant species richness: the world records. Journal of Vegetation Science, 23, 796-802. ZE M L I CK A J. (1997) Cechy v dob e kn ı zec ı (Czechia in the Princes period). Prague: Nakladatelstv ı lidov e noviny.

FAQs

AI

What explains the diversity of grassland species in Central Europe?add

Grasslands in Central Europe can exhibit high species richness, with up to 67 species per m² in areas like the White Carpathians, shaped by historical climatic conditions and soil pH variations.

How have ancient human activities influenced seminatural grasslands?add

Evidence shows that Neolithic agricultural practices, particularly during the LBK culture (5500-4800 BC), contributed significantly to the development of seminatural grasslands through land clearing and cultivation.

What role did large herbivores play in grassland maintenance?add

Research indicates that large herbivores such as red deer and wild horses maintained grasslands by grazing, preventing forest encroachment, particularly in regions with low precipitation.

When did grassland intensification begin according to historical records?add

Although some sources suggest the 18th century, Roman texts from around 70 AD detail the processes of grassland intensification, including resowing and fertilizer use.

How has the management of grasslands changed over time in Central Europe?add

Historically, grassland management shifted from extensive grazing to hay production by the late Iron Age, with further intensification noted from the 18th century onwards due to agricultural changes.

Last updatedOctober 11, 2025