Contribution à l'histoire des landes de la forêt de Fontainebleau d'après l'analyse pollinique des sols

Abstract

Pollen profiles established in the biological reserve of "Hauteurs de la Solle" supply us with information on the evolution of vegetation and the origin of podzolisation. The enlargement of Calluna heath and the forming of degradation podzols date back to at least the subboreal epoch. The contemporary forest was then composed of lime and oak with hazel glades which changed to an oak-beechwood at the same time when the heath extended and afforested with birches by the help of fires. During this period, new clearings opened on the sandstone fringe of the woodland plateau. Since the 18th century, heathland has been reduced by the extension of beech and pines.