õhupõllumise

õhupõllumise is an Estonian term that translates literally to "air sowing" or "sowing by air". In its most common context, it refers to the practice of distributing seeds from an aircraft, typically a plane or helicopter. This method is employed for various agricultural and forestry purposes, particularly in regions where traditional ground-based sowing is difficult or impractical.

The primary applications of õhupõllumise include the reseeding of large agricultural fields, especially after harvests or for cover crops. It is also frequently used for reforestation efforts, particularly in areas that have been cleared by logging or natural disasters. The aerial dispersal of seeds allows for rapid coverage of vast, often inaccessible terrains.

Factors influencing the success of õhupõllumise include seed type, droplet size if using a spray, altitude of the aircraft, wind speed and direction, and the nature of the ground surface. Specialized equipment is mounted on aircraft to ensure even distribution and appropriate seed placement. While efficient for covering large areas, õhupõllumise can sometimes result in less precise seed placement compared to ground methods, potentially affecting germination rates and crop density. The technique is a valuable tool for land management, offering a swift and broad-reaching solution for seeding large expanses.