ræktun

Ræktun, in Icelandic usage, denotes cultivation or farming—the growing and management of crops and other cultivated plants, and the broader activity of agricultural production. The term is used in horticulture, crop production, and allied practices, and it also covers propagation and genetic improvement of crop plants within agricultural systems.

Practices in ræktun include soil preparation and conditioning, crop selection and rotation, sowing and planting, irrigation and drainage, fertilization, and weed, pest, and disease management. Greenhouse and other controlled environments are common, enabling year-round production in climates with short growing seasons. In recent decades, soil-less systems such as hydroponics have appeared in commercial and research settings.

In Iceland, ræktun has long been shaped by the island’s cool, windy climate and geographic isolation. Geothermal energy and abundant hydroelectric power support energy-intensive greenhouse production, allowing vegetables, flowers, and ornamentals to be grown domestically. Field crops such as potatoes and forage grasses remain important, while imported feedstuffs and seeds complement domestic production. The sector is supported by agricultural research, extension services, and producer cooperatives, focusing on productivity, sustainability, and adaptation to climate change.

Sustainability concerns in ræktun include soil health, water use efficiency, fertilizer management, and biodiversity. Organic farming and integrated pest management are increasingly practiced to minimize environmental impact while maintaining yield and quality.