Anthropogenic influence on the natural vegetation in coastal North Norway during the holocene. Development of farming and pastures

Abstract

Four localities between south‐west Lofoten and north Troms have been studied by means of pollen‐analysis combined with C14‐datings. Introduction of animal husbandry in Lofoten c. 4400 calendar years B.C. is suggested. The earliest Hordeum‐growing at the Lofoten site was established c. 2200 calendar years B.C. Probable colonization of marginal farm places and farming areas has been dated to resp. c. 100 calendar years B.C. and A.D. 200 and 430, at different localities. Animal husbandry based upon leaf foddering was probably dominant during Neolithic times, and was also important during later periods. Grassland pastures probably became established during Bronze Age (south Scandinavian terms), especially during the Later Bronze Age. Establishment of farms in the Early Iron Age were characterized by a rapid formation of grassland, probably due to more advanced agricultural methods.