Abstract: Located in the farming-pastoral zone in northwestern China, Yulin is an appropriate region for researching environmental changes and human-land relationships. Here we examine the phytolithic record at the Wangyangpan site to reconstruct developmental history of the agricultural economy and to explore the adaptive relationship of the agriculture to the environment from the Late Yangshao to the Early Longshan period. Analysis of phytolith samples from profiles and two pits indicates that different species of millet were the staple food crops cultivated during the Late Yangshao period while common millets (Panicum miliaceum) were superior to foxtail millets (Setaria italica), and that farming declined during the Early Longshan period. Furthermore, it reveals that the climate was slightly cool and dry during archaeological occupation. In addition, abundant phytoliths of Ulmaceae discovered from this site enrich the history of prehistoric plant use in China.

Key words: Yulin; Late Yangshao Period; Wangyangpan site; Phytolith; Common millet; Foxtail millet; Ulmaceae