Ræktir

Ræktir is an Old Norse term that translates to "raising" or "growing" in English. In the context of medieval Iceland, ræktir referred to the system of agriculture that was prevalent during the settlement period. The word is derived from the Proto-Germanic root *rektiz, which is also the source of the Modern English word "rear".

Under the ræktir system, farmers cultivated land that had previously been cleared of its natural vegetation. They would grow crops such as oats, barley, and grasses, which were commonly used for animal feed. The use of fire was a key component of the ræktir system, as it was employed to clear the land and promote the growth of new vegetation.

Archaeological evidence suggests that farmers using the ræktir system planted their crops in shallow trenches, which helped to increase soil fertility. The system also allowed for the rotation of crops, which helped to maintain soil quality and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

While the ræktir system was successful for many farmers, it also had its limitations. The clearing of land to create agricultural plots led to soil erosion and the loss of nutrients. The system was also labor-intensive, requiring farmers to manually clear and cultivate the land.

The ræktir system remained in use until the 14th century, when it was largely replaced by more advanced agricultural practices. Despite its limitations, the ræktir system played an important role in the development of agriculture in medieval Iceland.