δ13C variation of soil organic matter as an indicator of vegetation change during the Holocene in central Cameroon

Abstract In order to better understand the dynamics of the forest–savanna mosaic from central Cameroon, we analyzed 13 C and 14 C profiles of six oxisols: two under forests and four under savannas. The δ 13 C soil profiles collected in the forests indicate that these environments are stable at least since the mid-Holocene, whereas the areas currently covered by savannas were formerly occupied by more forested vegetations. The 14 C dating of organic matter indicate that the late extension of the savannas in central Cameroon date from the Late Holocene, starting from 4000–3500 14 C yr BP.