From pedologic indications to archaeological reconstruction: deciphering land use in the Islamic period in the Baida district (north-western Sicily)

► Soils in north-western Sicily most likely reflect the former Islamic land use of the 9th-11th century. ► The particularly high content of phosphorous in the soil attests a former intense manuring. ► The δ13C analyses indicate the (partial) cultivation of C4 plants. ► Surprisingly, the lipid analyses did not confirm the C4 cultivation. ► SOM was protected from microbial decay by frequent biomass burning and type of land use.