Kustovoye

Kustovoye (Кустовое) is a Russian term primarily referring to a settlement type or agricultural technique. It can denote:

• A type of agricultural settlement: Kustovoye refers to a form of decentralized rural settlement, typically smaller than a village (деревня, derevnya) or a large settlement (село, selo). These settlements are often associated with specific agricultural practices. The key characteristic is their dispersed nature, often linked to the efficient management of land resources in a given region.

• A planting method in agriculture: In the context of agriculture, particularly in regions with challenging climates, "kustovoye" can describe a method of planting where seeds or seedlings are grouped together in small clusters (bushes). This technique helps to maximize resource utilization (water, nutrients) and provide mutual support for the plants, increasing their chances of survival and productivity. It is particularly useful in arid or semi-arid regions.

• A less common general term: In rare instances, "kustovoye" can be used as a general descriptive term referring to something that grows or is arranged in a bushy, clustered manner, even outside of agriculture. However, its primary usage remains tied to settlement types and agricultural methods.