Viljakasvi
Viljakasvi is a Finnish term referring to cereal crops, the plants grown mainly for their grain. It denotes the crop plants of the Poaceae family that produce edible cereal seeds intended for human consumption, animal feed, or industrial use. Cereals are annual grasses with fibrous roots, narrow leaves, and an inflorescence that becomes the grain head. The most widely cultivated viljakasvi species include wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), rye (Secale cereale), oats (Avena sativa), maize (Zea mays), and rice (Oryza sativa). Other important cereals are millet and sorghum. They are adapted to various climates and are grown from temperate to tropical regions; planting times vary by species, with spring- or autumn-sown crops. Grain yield depends on factors such as soil fertility, water availability, temperature, and disease and pest pressure. Harvest typically occurs when grains reach physiological maturity and moisture is reduced.
Uses and significance: cereals provide a large share of calories worldwide and form the basis of bread,
Environmental and management notes: viljakasvi are commonly grown in rotations to maintain soil health and reduce