Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Iceland has suffered from massive deforestation since the Vikings settled on the island in 874. The
woodland cover has gone from 25-30% to 1 %. Since the beginning of the 20th century, effort has
been made to regain the forest. In these afforestation efforts many tree species have been used both
indigenous and exotic. Coniferous species have played a major role in this afforestation. Species such
as Siberian larch, Norway spruce, Sitka spruce and various pine species have been important in these
efforts.
The two spruce species mentioned earlier have both been very important in the afforestation of
Iceland. However, the usage of Norway spruce has declined through time whereas usage of Sitka
spruce has increased.
This study was carried out in a forested area in West Iceland owned by the Icelandic forest service.
The aim of the study was to find out how much yield difference is between Norway spruce and Sitka
spruce in this area.
The result shows a very big difference between those species and in all aspects the Sitka spruce has
higher values. The average difference for stands 46-55 years old for total mean annual increment this
is 3,7m3/ha/year or 86,9% more for Sitka spruce compared to Norway spruce.