Around thirty hectares of red fescue seed fields were harvested this year. According to the project supervisor, Árni Eiríksson, a group leader in Gunnarsholt, the harvest is within the expected average. In contrast, the lyme grass seed harvest was limited, occurring only in Mýrdalssandur which required a few days of work. Árni noted that this year's lyme grass axes were smaller than usual, and the crop was partially affected by adverse weather conditions during the growing season. Typically, seed harvesting commences in the Landeyjar region, proceeds to Mýrdalssandur, and occasionally concludes in Þingeyjarsýslur, Northeast Iceland. However, the final harvest figures will not be available until the seeds undergo processing during the winter months. Only then can we accurately weigh and assess the quantity and quality of the harvest, as explained by Árni.

Effects of different seed densities studied

In the realm of seed cultivation, it is imperative to ensure that overcrowding does not hinder plant growth and subsequent seed production. To address this challenge, several countries have adopted a practice of denser seed planting, thereby prolonging the lifespan of seed-producing fields. This innovative approach is currently being evaluated by Land and Forest Iceland, under the guidance of Magnús H. Jóhannsson, a distinguished expert and team leader in research and development. Our ongoing pursuit of seed production enhancements encompasses a series of meticulous experiments.

In May 2023, we embarked on a comprehensive experiment involving red fescue seed production, Magnús says. This study aims to elucidate the impact of varying seed densities and fertiliser quantities during both the initial seeding phase and the harvesting year. In meticulously designed experimental plots, we implemented two distinct seed planting densities. Half of the designated area was subjected to dense seeding, while the remaining half was seeded more sparsely by strategically closing every other seed pipe on the seeding machinery. Furthermore, we employed a range of fertiliser dosages, precisely 260 and 310 kilograms per hectare during seeding, and 260, 310, 360, and 410 kilograms per hectare during the harvesting year. Each experimental plot encompasses an area of 7x40 meters, and each treatment is replicated four times to ensure statistical robustness. Through this experimental design, we strive to gain valuable insights into the optimal conditions for maximising seed production and advancing our agricultural practices. On the images below, sparsely and densely sown fields are shown respectively.

Prior land use practices significantly influence the anticipated yields of a given field. Several factors must be taken into account in this regard. Crop rotation, such as cultivating barley for multiple years, enhances the fields for seed cultivation. Additionally, soil type and nutritional status are crucial considerations. These factors must be carefully evaluated when selecting land for seed cultivation, considering both potential yield and seed.

Hopes for greater efficiency

The potential advantages of these studies include determining the feasibility and methods for extending the duration of seed fields. Currently, it is challenging to obtain two consecutive years of harvest from these fields, as typically only one crop is possible. Harvesting crops from the same area twice can result in significant cost and labor savings. It is worth noting that international practices involve sowing seeds more sparsely compared to traditional methods in Iceland.

The aforementioned experiments with seed cultivation of land-reclamation grasses hold practical relevance in cultivation. While they do not directly involve the land reclamation effort itself, they focus on the production of seeds utilised in that process. The application of fertiliser will be repeated in the experimental plots during the upcoming spring, and harvesting is scheduled for the following autumn. By the end of next year, we anticipate a clearer understanding of the factors being investigated in the seed fields of Land and Forest Iceland in Gunnarsholt, says Magnús H. Jóhannsson.

Photos: Magnús H. Jóhannsson