ravinnehuolto

Ravinnehuolto is the practice of maintaining soil fertility to support crop production by supplying essential nutrients in the right amounts, at the right times, and in the right form. It involves assessing soil nutrient status, crop needs, and environmental conditions to sustain long-term productivity.

Key elements include soil analysis to determine current nutrient levels and pH, liming where needed to optimize pH, and balancing inputs of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients. Organic matter management, through farm manure, compost, or cover crops, supports soil structure and nutrient cycling. Crop rotation and the use of green manures help maintain nutrient balance and reduce disease pressure. Fertilizers, both mineral and organic, are selected and applied based on crop demand, with timing and placement strategies such as base dressing and side-dressing to improve uptake and efficiency. Foliar feeding may be used for specific micronutrient deficiencies in some cases.

Practices often rely on targeted inputs and, increasingly, precision agriculture tools that use soil maps, crop sensors, and yield data to vary application rates across fields. This improves nutrient use efficiency and reduces environmental risks associated with leaching, runoff, and emissions.

Environmental and regulatory considerations emphasize minimizing nutrient losses, maintaining soil organic matter, and adhering to guidelines for fertilizer storage and handling. The aim is to achieve stable yields while protecting water quality and ecosystem health, contributing to sustainable agricultural production.