reaskülvikud

Reaskülvikud refers to a specific type of Estonian agricultural field, often translated as "reclaimed fields" or "newly cultivated fields." These areas are characterized by land that has been cleared and prepared for farming relatively recently, often from forests or other uncultivated areas. The term implies a process of actively bringing dormant or wild land into agricultural production.

Historically, the creation of reaskülvikud was a significant aspect of Estonian rural development, particularly during periods of population growth or land reform. This process typically involved arduous labor such as felling trees, removing stumps and rocks, and draining marshy areas. The resulting fields were often small and irregularly shaped, reflecting the challenging terrain and methods used.

The soil quality of reaskülvikud could vary greatly depending on the original landscape. Initially, they might have been less fertile than older, established farmland, requiring considerable effort to improve. Over time, as these fields were cultivated and fertilized, their productivity would increase. The existence and expansion of reaskülvikud are indicative of human impact on the landscape and the ongoing efforts to maximize agricultural output. The term itself is rooted in the Estonian language, with "rea" relating to rows or lines, and "külvikud" referring to sown or cultivated fields.