Agriculture in Great Kirav: Difference between revisions
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The {{wp|potato}} (Coscivian: ''ēln'') is the most important food crop in Great Kirav, and has been since the dawn of agriculture. Potato began to be domesticated as early as 25,000 years ago in the central latitudes of the Western Highlands. The potato plant's remarkable ability to thrive in cool climates and subprime soil conditions made it indispensible to early Kiravian farmers and an enduring staple of the Kiravian diet. Indeed, the potato is credited with enabling {{wp|sedentarisation}} of the proto-Coscivian tribes and, indirectly, the rise of Coscivian civilisation proper. Potato is grown throughout Great Kirav, but more so in the north and west. It is the dominant crop in the more marginal lands that make up much of the continent. | The {{wp|potato}} (Coscivian: ''ēln'') is the most important food crop in Great Kirav, and has been since the dawn of agriculture. Potato began to be domesticated as early as 25,000 years ago in the central latitudes of the Western Highlands. The potato plant's remarkable ability to thrive in cool climates and subprime soil conditions made it indispensible to early Kiravian farmers and an enduring staple of the Kiravian diet. Indeed, the potato is credited with enabling {{wp|sedentarisation}} of the proto-Coscivian tribes and, indirectly, the rise of Coscivian civilisation proper. Potato is grown throughout Great Kirav, but more so in the north and west. It is the dominant crop in the more marginal lands that make up much of the continent. | ||
Potato planting season typically begins in early spring, depending on the temperature and soil conditions. Observance of the vernal equinox festival [[Élív]] includes traditions that celebrate a successful planting effort. Farmers prepare the soil by plowing, harrowing, and levelling it before planting the seed potatoes. The seed potatoes are placed in furrows, and then covered with a layer of soil. Manual cultivators accomplish this with the aid of a [[Mattocks in Kiravian culture|mattock]]. As the plants grow, they are {{wp|Hilling|hilled}}, meaning that more soil is piled around the base of the plant to support it and prevent the tubers from exposure to sunlight. This helps to prevent a {{wp|Solanine#In_potatoes|green tinge}} that may affect the flavour and nutritional value of the potatoes. Most parts of Great Kirav regularly experience chilly and wet weather conditions, which can be challenging during the growing season. Frost poses a great danger to the crop in the critical periods just after planting and just before harvest. To protect the potato, farmers may install protective coverings, such as transparent films, over the fields. Harvest usually takes place in the autumn as the leaves start to turn yellow and die back. The potatoes are harvested with machines or by hand, then cleaned, graded, and sorted for distribution. After harvesting, the potato is stored in cool, dry conditions to preserve its quality. The harvest time is celebrated with festivals and fairs, where people can taste different varieties, buy fresh produce, and enjoy other cultural activities. | |||
Potato is used in many dishes such as {{wp|potato pancakes}}, {{wp|potato soup}}, {{wp|potato dumplings}}, and {{wp|potato casseroles}}, and can also be milled into {{wp|potato flour}} for baking. Beyond human consumption, the potato is also used to produce alcoholic spirits (''thasstraśum'') and industrial starches, and as fodder for pigs. | |||
===Cereals=== | ===Cereals=== | ||