Afforestation and Reforestation in Iceland

Abstract

Iceland belongs to the subarctic belt. Summers are short and cool; winters are mild. Annual rainfall averages 400 mm in the north and up to 3500 mm in the south. Bedrock is mainly basalt from which dryland soil (tephraloess) is derived. About 8%o of the total area is climatically suited for afforestation and reforestation of some kind. Betula pubescens Erh. is the only species forming natural woodland. Former woodland may be restored by alleviation of grazing. The native birch plays a key role for soil protection. Introduction of exotic tree species is of main importance for the reforestation. Nearly 100 species and 700 provenances have been tested, 10 to 15 species of which are the most likely to serve the reforestation purposes. The three most important are Russian and Siberian larch (Larix sukaczewi and L. sibirica), sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Russian larch has had the highest yield (7 m3 ha in 48 yr). The most serious disease (dieback) has attacked the Russian larch. The most serious pest attacks have affected two needled pines and the spruces. The total area enclosed for reforestation is 41,000 ha, of which 5000 ha have been planted. Annual planting is presently 800,000 seedlings.