Külvikorda

Külvikorda is a term used in agriculture and gardening to describe crop rotation. It refers to the practice of systematically planting different types of crops in the same area of land over successive growing seasons. The primary goal of a külvikorda is to maintain and improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce the incidence of pests and diseases.

Different crops have varying nutritional needs and can affect the soil in different ways. For instance, leguminous plants, such as beans and peas, fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil, enriching it for subsequent crops. Conversely, crops that heavily deplete certain nutrients, like corn, should be followed by plants that are less demanding or that can replenish those nutrients.

Implementing a külvikorda helps to break pest and disease cycles. Many pests and pathogens are specific to certain plant families. By rotating crops, these organisms are deprived of their host plants, causing their populations to decline. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides.

Furthermore, külvikorda can improve soil structure. Different root systems penetrate the soil to varying depths, helping to aerate the soil and prevent compaction. Heavy feeders can be followed by deep-rooted plants that bring nutrients from lower soil layers to the surface.

A well-planned külvikorda typically involves a sequence of crops that addresses these factors. Common sequences might include a grain crop, followed by a root crop, then a legume, and finally a leafy green. The specific rotation will depend on the soil type, climate, and the farmer's or gardener's objectives.