Range Resources of Iceland

Abstract

Animal agriculture in Iceland is second only to fisheries. At least half the forage consumed by large herbivorous animals comes from rangelands. During the period June to September most of the sheep and large numbers of unbroken horses graze on mountain ranges where they roam freely in large grazing districts or commons. There is urgent need for land reclamation and range improvement. Only 25% of the country is covered with vegetation, much of which does not provide adequate protection against soil erosion and has low carrying capacity. With increasing population and demands upon rangelands for food production, an aggressive program of rangeland improvement and management, supported by adequate research, is essential.