Kasvunhoito

Kasvunhoito, literally "growth care" in Finnish, is a term used in horticulture to describe the management practices that promote healthy growth and development of cultivated plants and other organisms. It comprises planning, environmental control, nutrition, and routine maintenance to optimize growth conditions. Environmental control encompasses light, temperature, humidity, air circulation, and, in greenhouses, climate management including shading and ventilation. Watering and irrigation strategies are designed to maintain optimum soil moisture and prevent drought stress or waterlogging. Nutrition and substrate management involve selecting appropriate growing media and implementing fertilization plans with macro- and micronutrients, as well as pH regulation. Plant structure and care include pruning, training, staking, and spacing to promote vigorous growth and desired architecture. Pest, disease, and weed management relies on monitoring, sanitation, and integrated pest management principles. Sanitation and workflow emphasize equipment cleaning and hygiene to reduce contamination and the carryover of pathogens. Outcomes of kasvunhoito include healthier plants, improved growth rates, higher quality yields, and longer productive life. Kasvunhoito is applied in greenhouse and field cultivation, including ornamentals, fruit and vegetable crops, and nursery stock, and is taught in Finnish horticultural and agronomy curricula as a practical aspect of cultivation.