The History of Agriculture and Forests in Lungau

The Origins of Agriculture

10,000 years ago, in the Fertile Crescent, humans began to domesticate their environment and certain species to produce their own food, rather than relying on what they found in nature. This marked the birth of agriculture, which, two thousand years later, spread to Europe. During antiquity, it developed primarily in the territories colonized by the Roman Empire, particularly along the Mediterranean coast. To facilitate agriculture, humans first adapted their environment by colonizing natural open spaces (such as meadows) and gradually encroached upon forested areas to expand their agricultural land. From the Middle Ages onward, deforestation accelerated in favor of human activities, which had a significant impact on landscapes, both visually and in terms of their uses and the various ecosystems that emerged from this coexistence.

Agriculture in the 18th Century

By the 18th century, agriculture was the major economic activity in Lungau. In the valleys, rye, barley, and oats were cultivated, while meadows were established on poorer soils. The production of hay was lower compared to other parts of the Alps, with only two cuts per season versus three or more elsewhere. These poor meadows did not support dairy cattle farming but rather beef production, which was essential for field work. The valley specialized in this production, with around 500 oxen sold to Salzburg each year, a significant amount for the time.

Livestock and Alpine Pastures

Dairy farming also existed, primarily for local consumption. Additionally, goats, sheep, and pigs were raised, providing milk, wool, and meat for local use. During the summer, livestock was sent to the alpine pastures, mainly dairy cows and small livestock, while oxen remained in the lowlands to work the fields. Women, who often managed the alpine pastures, processed the milk on-site. The size of herds varied according to family wealth, ranging from two or three cows for small producers to around ten for medium-sized farmers, and up to twenty-four for wealthier farmers.

Agriculture in Lungau was thus family-based and highly seasonal, with livestock moving to alpine pastures in summer and returning in winter. These agricultural practices shaped the territory and had a profound influence on the landscape.

The Impact of Forest and Mining Exploitation

The coniferous forests described in historical writings are similar to those found today. Wood was used for heating, construction, but primarily for mining activities. Until the early 20th century, Lungau, like the Austrian Alps, experienced intense mining activity, extracting gold, silver, nickel, lead, arsenic, and cobalt. To meet the demands of this industry, extensive wood exploitation led to significant reductions in forested areas. Historical maps illustrate this deforestation up until the early 20th century, first for mining and then for agriculture, which spread over the newly cleared spaces.

Changes in the 19th Century and the Industrial Revolution

By the late 19th century, new demographic dynamics emerged in Europe. The rural population, historically engaged in agriculture, faced the effects of the Industrial Revolution. The increasing population made it harder for families to sustain themselves on farms, while the burgeoning industry attracted a growing workforce. This rural exodus, though modest in the early 20th century, was offset by high birth rates and did not yet significantly affect agricultural practices. Maps from 1880 to 1930 show little change in forested and agricultural areas, with even some expansion of agricultural lands.

Mid-20th Century Evolution

It was from the mid-20th century that a decline in agriculture became evident, initially slow but then accelerating. Changes in agricultural practices, mechanization, and fluctuating product prices led to a loss of agricultural land in Lungau. However, agricultural spaces in the valleys and on the slopes were minimally affected by this decline, unlike the alpine pastures which experienced significant reduction and the loss of mixed-use areas where farming and forestry coexisted. Aerial photographs reveal this trend, with fields still consisting of small plots.

Forest Reclamation of Alpine Pastures

Alpine pastures, once used for summer grazing, were the most reclaimed by forests. Mid-20th century agricultural practices, including the presence of shepherds and the use of every nook for hay production, gradually disappeared with agricultural decline, allowing forests to take over. Ruins of wooden houses testify to the past use of these areas, as do the remains of old “Hütte” in still-active alpine pastures.

Conclusion

Today’s agricultural and forest landscapes in Lungau result from a complex history of agriculture, forestry, and mining. Understanding the past is crucial to grasp the current state and challenges of this territory.

For more information on the history of agriculture and forestry in Lungau, please read :

• From Maps to Photos: Unveiling the Past Landscapes

• Evolution of Forests in the Alpine Valleys North of Tamsweg in Austria

• How to Read the History of Agriculture in Rural Landscapes