Asynchronous Transformation of Cropping Patterns from 5800–2200 cal BP on the Southern Loess Plateau, China

Archaeobotanical studies have largely illuminated spatiotemporal differences in agricultural development across the Loess Plateau. However, particularities of local not been adequately studied for complex geographical, environmental, and prehistoric contexts. Here, new archaeobotanical data radiocarbon dating results from 27 Neolithic Bronze Age sites Baoji are reported. Combining these with published datasets, this study explores shifts (and underlying driving factors) cropping patterns late to on southern Plateau (SLP). Regional geographic, climatic factors produced mixed millet-rice systems Guanzhong Plain (GZP) western Henan Province (WHN) foxtail broomcorn millet dry-farming Upper Weihe River (UWR) 5800–4500 cal BP. Wheat barley were added UWR as auxiliary crops after ~4000 BP, while remained unchanged GZP WHN 4500–3500 Cultural exchanges technological innovations may influenced formation different three regions (i.e., GZP, WHN, UWR) From 3500–2200 wheat became increasingly important SLP, although their importance varied spatially, rice was rarely cultivated. Spatiotemporal variation driven by altered survival pressures associated climate deterioration population growth This process reinforced internal social developments, well interactions close northern neighbors, Shang-Zhou period.