setva

Setva is a term in several South Slavic languages meaning the sowing of seeds in arable land. It refers to the act of planting crops and, more broadly, to the period in the agricultural year when sowing is carried out. The word derives from a Slavic root related to sowing; cognate forms appear in related languages.

In farming practice, setva involves preparing the field, selecting seeds, and using sowing equipment to place seeds at appropriate depth and spacing. Timing depends on crop type, local climate, and soil conditions, commonly occurring in spring after soil has warmed and moisture is adequate. Methods range from traditional hand sowing to modern mechanized drilling or broadcasting.

Culturally, the sowing period has held significance in many rural communities, often associated with seasonal rituals, folk songs, or proverbs that reflect weather expectations and hopes for a good harvest. The precise customs and calendars vary by region and community.

In contemporary usage, setva can denote both the agricultural process of sowing and the corresponding seasonal period within agronomic calendars. While practices continue to evolve with technology, the concept remains central to the annual cycle of crop production in areas where South Slavic languages are spoken.