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

In order to better understand the dynamics of the forest-savanna mosaic from central Cameroon, we analyzed C-13 and C-14 profiles of six oxisols: two under forests and four under savannas. The delta C-13 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 C-14 dating of organic matter indicate that the late extension of the savannas in central Cameroon date from the Late Holocene, starting from 4000-3500 C-14 yr BP. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Academie des sciences.