põlluharimise

Põlluharimine, also known as cultivation or tillage, refers to the process of preparing land for planting crops. It involves various methods of working the soil to improve its physical condition, making it more suitable for agricultural purposes. The primary goals of põlluharimine are to loosen the soil, incorporate organic matter, control weeds, and create a favorable environment for seed germination and root development.

Traditional methods of põlluharimine often involve the use of plows, harrows, and cultivators. Plowing, typically done with a moldboard plow, turns over the soil, burying surface residues and weeds while bringing fresh soil to the surface. Harrows are then used to break up clods and create a finer seedbed. Cultivators are employed for inter-row weed control and soil aeration during the growing season.

More recently, conservation tillage practices have gained prominence. These methods aim to reduce soil disturbance, thereby minimizing erosion and preserving soil structure. No-till farming, for instance, involves planting seeds directly into the residue of the previous crop without any prior soil preparation. Strip-tillage cultivates only narrow strips where seeds are planted, leaving the rest of the soil undisturbed. These approaches can help improve soil health, increase water infiltration, and reduce fuel consumption. The choice of põlluharimine method depends on factors such as soil type, climate, crop rotation, and economic considerations.