Märkäviljelyn

Märkäviljelyn, also known as wet cultivation or flooded cultivation, is a method of growing crops in continuously flooded or waterlogged fields. This technique is most commonly associated with rice paddies, where the standing water plays a crucial role in weed suppression, soil fertility, and temperature regulation.

The practice of märkäviljelyn requires specific geographical and climatic conditions, typically involving a plentiful and consistent water supply, such as from rainfall, rivers, or irrigation systems. The soil in märkäviljelyn fields is often heavy and clay-rich, which helps to retain water. Preparation of the land involves leveling and constructing bunds or dikes to create a basin for holding water.

In rice cultivation, the water depth is carefully managed throughout the growing season. Initially, shallow flooding helps with transplanting rice seedlings. As the plants grow, the water depth may be adjusted to optimize nutrient uptake and deter weeds. The anaerobic conditions created by flooding also influence nutrient cycling in the soil, particularly nitrogen.

While rice is the most prominent crop grown using märkäviljelyn, other water-tolerant crops can also be cultivated using similar principles. The technique is vital for food security in many regions, especially in Asia, where it has been practiced for millennia. Challenges associated with märkäviljelyn include water management, potential for disease outbreaks, and the release of methane, a greenhouse gas, from flooded soils. However, ongoing research aims to optimize water use efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts.