lisäseedingillä

Lisäseedingillä, literally translated as “with added seeding,” is a Finnish agricultural practice used primarily in cereal and forage production to increase plant density and improve yield stability. The technique involves the application of additional seed lines between the main crop rows or the sowing of a second seed crop at a later growth stage. By planting an extra seed layer, farmers can occupy residual soil space, reduce weed pressure, and enhance canopy cover, which collectively contribute to higher photosynthetic efficiency and moisture capture.

The method was developed in the early 1990s in response to intensifying climate variability and the need for more resilient cropping systems. It is most common in barley, wheat, and rye, where the first planting is often made with a slightly higher seed rate, followed by a seed relay that complements the main crop’s development stage. Modern implements allow precise variable rate seeding, ensuring that additional seed is distributed uniformly without overloading the soil.

Benefits of lisäseedingillä include increased grain yield, improved soil structure, and reduced reliance on herbicides. However, the practice requires careful management of input costs, seed quality, and timing to avoid seedling competition and lodging. Research in Finland’s Agricultural Research Institute has documented yield gains of up to 8 % in optimal conditions, though results vary by genotype and environmental factors. The technique is gaining traction in Nordic regions but remains less common outside of these areas due to differences in crop management traditions and regulatory frameworks.