Külvivahe

Külvivahe is the period in spring during which field crops are sown. The term combines külv (sowing) and vahe (interval) and marks the window when soil conditions—temperature, moisture and structure—allow sowing with acceptable germination and emergence, and when the risk of late frost is low enough to protect young crops.

Timing and duration vary by region and year, typically occurring from late March to May in Estonia, depending on weather and soil. In southern Estonia, sowing may begin earlier; in northern parts, later. The window ends when sowing of primary crops is completed or when soil conditions deteriorate due to heat or drought.

Crops commonly sown in külvivahe include cereals such as wheat and barley, legumes like peas and faba beans, and forage grasses in some rotations. The period also accommodates early varieties and adjustments within crop rotation plans.

Practice considerations include monitoring soil temperature and moisture, avoiding sowing on overly wet or compacted soils, and managing pests and diseases. Modern machinery and precision agriculture influence the timing and efficiency, allowing some flexibility within the window and enabling timely sowing even in variable springs.

Historically, külvivahe has been part of Estonian farming calendars and is tied to the broader rhythm of spring field work. With climate variability, farmers adapt by adjusting sowing schedules, soil cultivation practices, and crop choices to maintain stable yields.