rehikasveihin

Rehikasveihin is a Finnish term referring to plants cultivated primarily as fodder for livestock. The category covers a range of forage crops grown for hay, silage or direct grazing, and it forms a key part of many farmed systems by providing feed when natural forage is scarce. Rehikasveihin also encompasses management practices aimed at maintaining yield, nutritive value and soil health.

The main groups of rehikasveihin are grasses and legumes. Typical grass species include timothy (Phleum pratense), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), often grown in mixtures. Legumes such as white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense), and in some regions lucerne (alfalfa, Medicago sativa), are valued for their protein content and nitrogen-fixing ability. Mixtures of grasses and legumes are common, balancing yield, nutrition and soil benefits.

Production and management involve crop rotation, reseeding, fertilization and harvest timing. Forage is typically collected as hay, silage or haylage, with moisture management and wilting affecting quality. Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization, soil pH control, and pest and disease management help sustain yields. In many systems, perennial forages are favored for longevity, while annuals may be used to fill short-term supply gaps.

Uses and significance include supplying high-quality roughage for cattle, sheep and other ruminants, supporting milk and meat production and enabling stable winter feeding. Rehikasveihin also contribute to farm biodiversity and soil structure, especially when grown in diverse mixtures and managed with appropriate rotation and harvesting practices.