suojaviljelmä

A suojaviljelmä, or buffer strip, is an area of permanent vegetation planted adjacent to cultivated fields. The primary purpose of a suojaviljelmä is to protect the soil and water resources of the agricultural landscape. These strips are typically established with perennial grasses, legumes, or woody plants, which have different root structures and growth habits compared to annual crops.

The vegetation in a suojaviljelmä acts as a physical barrier, trapping sediment and nutrients that might otherwise be carried off the field by wind or water. This helps to prevent soil erosion and reduces the amount of agricultural runoff entering nearby water bodies, such as streams, rivers, and lakes. By intercepting runoff, suojaviljelmä can also filter out pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, thereby improving water quality.

Beyond their environmental benefits, suojaviljelmä can also provide ecological advantages. They can offer habitat and food sources for beneficial insects, pollinators, and other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity within the agricultural setting. They can also help to break pest cycles and reduce the need for chemical inputs in the adjacent fields. The establishment of suojaviljelmä is often part of broader land management practices aimed at sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.