The Preservation and Interpretation of δ³⁴S Values in Charred Archaeobotanical Remains

Abstract

The measurement of sulphur isotope (δ 34 S) values in charred plant remains has the potential to inform understanding of the spatial configuration and ecology of crop production. We investigated the effects of charring, manuring, oxidation and anaerobic soil conditions on modern cereal grain/pulse seed δ 34 S values, and assessed the effect of chemical pre‐treatment on charred modern and archaeobotanical grain/seed δ 34 S values. We used these results to interpret δ 34 S values in archaeobotanical material from Neolithic Çatalhöyük. Our results suggest that δ 34 S values can be reliably preserved in charred grain/seeds but are subject to influence by anaerobic soil conditions, the effect depending on the timing of flooding in relation to S assimilation.