Loppumalla

Loppumalla is a Finnish term that refers to a type of combing or gathering of loose hay or other crop residues, particularly after the main haymaking season has ended. The practice is often associated with scattered or leftover land, which is typically home to grass and other wild plants that have grown untended during the summer months.

The term "loppumalla" is commonly used in rural areas of Finland, where farmers and agricultural workers rely on the harvest of wild plants and leftover crop residues to feed livestock during the winter months. In these regions, the practice of gathering and combing loose hay is a crucial aspect of winter fodder preparation.

The process of loppumalla typically involves riding through fields and meadows on horseback or with the aid of machinery, combing the loose hay and other plant material into neat bundles or sheaves. The bundles are then collected and transported to storage facilities or yards, where they can be dried, threshed, and prepared for use as livestock feed.

Depending on the region and local conditions, loppumalla may be performed at various times of the year, but typically in the fall or early winter, after the main haymaking season has ended. In some cases, leftover hay and crop residues may be incorporated into the soil as a form of nutrient conservation and soil enrichment.

The practice of loppumalla is an important part of sustainable agricultural practices, as it helps to reduce waste and make use of available resources. It also serves to maintain biodiversity in the regions where it is practiced, by ensuring that areas that would otherwise be left fallow can continue to support a diverse range of plant and animal life.