![Sample our Environment & Sustainability journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5935/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Sustainability.jpg"})
Abstract
Erosion is one of the most severe ecological problems in Iceland. It has been estimated that more than 50% of the original vegetative cover has been lost since settlement in 874 and active erosion continues to be widespread throughout the country. Since its founding in 1907, the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland (SCS) has emphasized control of wind erosion and reclamation of eroded areas. Methods have primarily involved stabilizing sand dunes with Elymus arenarius and reseeding eroded lands with grasses such as Festuca rubra and Poa pratensis. Approximately 2% of Iceland has been fenced off by the SCS to exclude livestock grazing from areas experiencing severe erosion. The vegetation has recovered considerably within these protected areas and in other areas where grazing intensity has been reduced. The rate of recovery varies greatly depending on elevation, soil type, proximity to natural seed sources, and reclamation practices.