Due to many centuries of intensive settlement, most of the area is shaped by human influence. The original natural vegetation of Thuringia is forest with beech as its predominant species, as can still be found in the Hainich mountains today. In the uplands, a mixture of beech and spruce would be natural. However, most of the plains have been cleared and are in intensive agricultural use while most of the forests are planted with spruce and pine. Since 1990, Thuringia's forests have been managed aiming for a more natural and tough vegetation more resilient to climate change as well as diseases and vermin. In comparison to the forest, agriculture is still quite conventional and dominated by large structures and monocultures. Problems here are caused especially by increasingly prolonged dry periods during the summer months. COUNT 5
QSN1 Why is Thurnigia's landscape shaped by human influence? ANS1 Due to many centuries of intensive settlement QSN2 What type of nature is common in the highlands of Thuringia?  ANS2 a mixture of beech and spruce QSN3 What is the original natural vegetation of Thuringia? ANS3 forest with beech as its predominant species QSN4 Where do most landscape problems come from? ANS4 increasingly prolonged dry periods during the summer months QSN5 What has been the aim for the Thuringian forests since 1990? ANS5 more natural and tough vegetation