kyntö

Kyntö is the Finnish term for plowing, the tillage operation of turning over the top layer of soil to prepare a seedbed. The practice traditionally uses a plow pulled by a tractor or draft animal, with the soil inverted and buried crop residues, weeds, and organic matter to some extent. The resulting seedbed is usually more uniform, weed control is improved, and soil aeration is increased, which can aid germination and root growth.

Historically central to arable farming, kyntö has evolved with mechanization. The choice of plowing equipment varies by soil type and farming goals, with moldboard plows being common in earlier decades and disc, chisel, or subsoil plows used in different contexts today. In many regions, primary tillage aims for a depth of roughly 15 to 25 centimeters, though depths and methods adapt to soil conditions, crop needs, and conservation practices.

Environmental and agronomic considerations surround kyntö. Plowing disrupts soil structure and can release stored carbon, potentially contributing to erosion if performed on steep slopes or when soils are overly wet or dry. For this reason, many farmers adopt reduced-tillage or no-till systems, employing techniques that minimize surface disturbance while maintaining weed control and residue management. In organic farming, plowing may be supplemented or replaced by alternative tillage methods that balance soil health, moisture retention, and pest management.

See also: tillage, moldboard plow, conservation tillage, no-till farming, soil erosion.