põllumaade

Põllumaad are arable lands in Estonian land-use terminology. They refer to land parcels that are cultivated or suitable for cultivation and are used primarily for growing crops, such as cereals, potatoes, and vegetables, or for fodder production. Põllumaad are distinguished from metsamaa (forest land), karjamaad (pastures), and built‑up areas in official classifications and planning.

The term comes from põld, meaning field, and maa, meaning land. In singular, the word is põllumaa; in the genitive plural it appears as põllumaade, a form commonly used in legal texts, planning documents, and statistical descriptions to denote the category of arable lands.

In practice, põllumaad are identified in land-use statistics and the land register as agricultural land to which farming activities apply. They may include active cultivated fields and areas used in crop rotation, as well as land that is temporarily fallow. Management focuses on sustaining soil fertility, drainage, and environmental stewardship, with considerations for biodiversity, water protection, and sustainable cropping.

Historically, Estonia’s agricultural land has undergone changes through land reform, farm consolidation, and shifts in agricultural policy. Since joining the European Union, arable land use has been influenced by the Common Agricultural Policy and associated environmental schemes, which affect subsidies, crop choices, and land-management practices. Põllumaad continue to be a central element of rural landscapes and food production in Estonia.