Väetisi

Väetisi is a term used in agricultural contexts to describe substances that are applied to soils or plants to supply nutrients essential for growth. The concept covers a wide range of products and practices designed to improve soil fertility, crop yields, and plant health. In practice, väetisi can refer to both organic materials such as manure, compost, and bone meal, and inorganic or synthetic compounds such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers, as well as trace elements. Some products are formulated for slow release or targeted delivery to reduce losses.

Application methods include broadcasting over fields, soil incorporation before planting, placement in bands near seed rows, fertigation through irrigation systems, and foliar feeding on leaves. The choice of product and method depends on crop type, soil conditions, climate, and economic considerations. Proper soil testing and nutrient management plans are important to determine nutrient needs and application rates.

Environmental and regulatory considerations include the risk of nutrient runoff, groundwater contamination, and emissions of nitrous oxide. Best practices emphasize precision fertilization, use of slow-release formulations, split applications, crop rotation, and cover crops to maintain soil health and minimize environmental impact.

History and context: The use of nutrient supplements for soils dates back to ancient civilizations with animal manures and guano. Modern industrial fertilizer production began in the early 20th century with the chemical synthesis of ammonia, enabling large-scale agriculture. Väetisi as a term reflects the central role of nutrient provisioning in contemporary farming and horticulture.