Odling

Odling is a term used in several Scandinavian languages to denote cultivation or farming. In English-language texts it is uncommon outside translations or discussions of those languages, but it broadly refers to growing and propagating living organisms under controlled conditions. The root verb odla (to cultivate) gives the noun odling, which can apply to crops, livestock, fungi, and microorganisms.

In its primary sense, odling covers agricultural and horticultural activities such as soil cultivation, crop production, greenhouse growing, and home gardening. It also extends to methods of propagation and breeding, including seed selection, planting, irrigation, pest management, and crop rotation. The concept emphasizes planning and management over time, aiming for sustainable yields and health of the growing system.

In broader or translated contexts, odling can describe the cultivation of any living organisms under controlled conditions, including laboratory or industrial settings. This may include microbial cultures in research or fermentation processes, though in English these would typically be described with more specific terms such as cultivation or fermentation.

History and practice of odling span from early agrarian societies to modern intensive agriculture and urban farming. Contemporary odling often stresses sustainability, soil health, biodiversity, and resource efficiency, incorporating technologies such as controlled-environment agriculture, precision irrigation, and integrated pest management. See also agriculture, horticulture, cultivation.