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Abstract

A wealth of ancient runoff-agriculture (ARA) installations was documented in southern Israel. The viability of ancient runoff farming across different climatic regions and geological settings suggests an efficient exploitation of the local surrounding substrates (e.g., loess soil, rocky slopes). The present study considers new data, as well as previously published materials, from two desert sites: Shivṭa, in the Negev Highlands, and Rahat, in the Be’er Sheva‘ Valley. The Comparison between these two regions allows a better understanding of the distribution of ancient agricultural installations in relation to different geological constraints over different climatic regions. Applying geo-archaeological field surveys, supported by GIS analysis, shows that the variability in ARA features between the two sites correlates with local environmental conditions affecting farming needs. In the Be’er Sheva‘ Valley, which is rich in good soil but has only few exposed rock outcrops, the agricultural installations used the loess plains for harvesting runoff. In the Shivṭa region, which is rich with bedrock outcrops but has limited adequate soils, agriculture was practiced in wadis with loess soils and more sufficient runoff. We conclude that geological constraints are vital for the implementation of ARA installations to meet basic agricultural requirements, adequate soil and sufficient water.

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