Välitiekasvutan

Välitiekasvutan is a Finnish term that translates to "intermediate cultivation" or "intercropping" in English. It refers to a horticultural practice where a secondary crop is grown alongside a primary crop in the same field or garden. The purpose of välitiekasvutan is to make efficient use of space and resources, often by planting crops with different growth habits or nutrient requirements.

This method can involve planting short-season crops between rows of slower-growing or longer-season crops. For example, radishes or lettuce might be grown between young fruit trees or in the space between rows of corn. Another common approach is companion planting, where certain plants are grown together because they are believed to benefit each other, perhaps by deterring pests, improving soil fertility, or attracting beneficial insects.

The benefits of välitiekasvutan can include increased overall yield from a given area, improved soil health through diverse root systems and nutrient cycling, reduced weed pressure as the ground is more fully covered, and a more resilient agroecosystem. It can also lead to a more efficient use of water and sunlight. This practice is often employed in organic farming and permaculture systems, where maximizing productivity and ecological balance are key objectives. It requires careful planning to ensure that the crops do not compete excessively for resources.