Mýrdalssandur
Mýrdalssandur (Nootka lupine) 20210715
The human factor on the flora and vegetation of Iceland
The influence of Homo sapiens on the vegetation can be split in the effect of medieval Viking settlements and the more modern footprint of the human culture on the Icelandic vegetation. For one thing, the early Vikings destroyed most of the original birch forests. For more on this topic see vegetation types/forests. But even up to date one can question some of the farming practices in Iceland. The sheep culture is so deeply embedded in the Icelandic heritage that the erosion effects of these practices on the landscape are socially undebatable. Nevertheless, the Icelanders have become aware that something had to be done about erosion. One thing that was done - as so often all over the world - was not to address the real problem (erosion by overgrazing) but to find a quick solution. The idea was that a single species from Alaska, being the Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatesis - Lúpina) would solve the problem. It has been sown all along roadsides (where soil degradation is most apparent). And it has been successful, so successful that it grew to become monocultures giving no chance to indigenous species!
Source: Natural History of Iceland Site.
Mýrdalssandur
Mýrdalssandur (Nootka lupine) 20210715
The human factor on the flora and vegetation of Iceland
The influence of Homo sapiens on the vegetation can be split in the effect of medieval Viking settlements and the more modern footprint of the human culture on the Icelandic vegetation. For one thing, the early Vikings destroyed most of the original birch forests. For more on this topic see vegetation types/forests. But even up to date one can question some of the farming practices in Iceland. The sheep culture is so deeply embedded in the Icelandic heritage that the erosion effects of these practices on the landscape are socially undebatable. Nevertheless, the Icelanders have become aware that something had to be done about erosion. One thing that was done - as so often all over the world - was not to address the real problem (erosion by overgrazing) but to find a quick solution. The idea was that a single species from Alaska, being the Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatesis - Lúpina) would solve the problem. It has been sown all along roadsides (where soil degradation is most apparent). And it has been successful, so successful that it grew to become monocultures giving no chance to indigenous species!
Source: Natural History of Iceland Site.