Why Is Proper Seed Selection Essential in Farming?
Agriculture of practice of cultivating plants and other crops to maintain livelihood and food. Based on the nature of cultivation it is of various types and of various nature depending on weather also. Main purpose of cultivation is providing food but apart from that it helps us in various ways like increasing the economy, providing employment. Due to these all reasons agriculture is the backbone of our economic system as 70% of the population is involved in the agriculture field.
Agriculture is not a single step process, it needs a lot of knowledge along with physical and mechanical practice. Large extent of agriculture practice needs electronic vehicles, also threshers, tractors, etc. By using all these agriculture processes become a little easier than earlier.
Steps Needed For Agriculture Practice
As agriculture is a several steps process; major steps for agriculture practice are discussed below:
1. Preparation of Proper Soil:
Soil needs to be in fine texture for proper growth of plants and crops. So loosening of soil can be done with the help of tractors or by physical methods.
2. Sowing of Seeds or Platelets:
Proper sowing of seeds or platelets is must for proper growth of crops or plants. Proper gaps should be maintained while sowing seeds so that they can get proper nutrients and minerals. There are several methods by which seeds can be shown like:
Traditional Methods: In this method funnels are being used to sow the seeds in a proper manner. During this process the funnel is filled with seeds and seeds are spreaded all over the field through sharp ends as these ends enter the soil by which they are placed into the soil.
Dibbling Method: In this process holes are made in the seedbeds and seeds are placed into those holes and after that these seedbeds are covered. The one thing which really matters is the depth of holes. A proper instrument called a dibbler is there for the dibbling process.
Broadcasting Method: In this process seeds are scattered either by mechanically or manually on the seed beds. When it is on a small scale we use manual methods and when it is on large scale we use mechanical broadcasters for ploughing seeds.
3. Proper and Timely Irrigation:
Crops and plants need proper irrigation as too much irrigation practice can block their roots propers which will prevent absorption of nutrients and minerals from soil. So proper irrigation should be given to plants. Some of the sources of irrigation are well, tube well, pond, rivers, canals, dams, etc.
There are various methods of irrigation:
Traditional Methods: During traditional methods of irrigation cattles and human labour are used. This irrigation method is cheaper than other irrigation methods. Diesel pumps are also used for irrigation.
Modern Method of Irrigation: One of most known modern methods of irrigation is the sprinkler method. This method is mostly used where land is uneven and sufficient underground water level is not available for irrigation.
Mechanism of Sprinkler Method: In this method perpendicular pipes are being used which have rotating nozzles on top and they are joined to the main pipe on a regular interval. By this mechanism a proper amount of water is given to crops on a regular basis. They are most commonly used in plantations of coffee, lawns, etc.
4. Supply of Proper Manure and Fertilizers:
Plants need proper nutrients and minerals for this they should be given time to time manure and fertilizers by which they can easily grasp important nutrients and minerals. Manure is considered more useful for crops as they are eco friendly in nature whereas fertilisers are made up of various harmful chemicals which disturbs fertility of soil and under ground level.
5. Protection of Crops/Plants From Weeds:
Weeds are undesirable plants which can destroy useful crops. So the process by which weeds are removed are called weeding. Removal of weeds are important as they compete with crops for light, food, water, minerals and nutrients. Along with that they interfere in the harvesting process and can also be harmful for animals and human beings.
Methods by which weeds can be removed are:
Uprooting of weeds with the help of instruments like khurpi.
By taking help of weedicides like 2, 4 Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D), Naphthalene acetic acid, and Atrazine. As they directly kill the weeds.
6. Harvesting Process:
Cutting down of crops is known as harvesting. This process on a large scale needs good harvesters which can automatically harvest the crops in large scale whereas small scale harvesting can be done manually by using sickle. Crops are usually harvested after 3-4 months of the sowing process. There are so many rituals which are performed by farmers while harvesting crops. Once harvesting is done chaff is separated from grain and these processes are done by threshing ( separating chaff from grains ) and winnowing method ( separation of husk from the seeds by blowing air on crops ). For large scale harvesting there is a special machine for both threshing and winnowing process.
7. Storing Process:
Keeping grains or produce safe from rats, insects, microorganisms and moisture. For all amounts, storage warehouses are there.
FAQs on Selection and Sowing of Seeds in Agriculture
1. What is the importance of selecting good quality seeds in agriculture?
The selection of seeds is a crucial first step in farming as it directly impacts the crop yield and quality. Good quality seeds are clean, healthy, and free from diseases. Their importance lies in:
- Higher Germination Rate: Healthy seeds are more likely to germinate, ensuring a uniform crop stand.
- Increased Yield: High-quality seeds from good plant varieties result in a more abundant harvest.
- Disease Resistance: Selecting disease-free seeds prevents the spread of infections to the new crop.
- Nutrient Efficiency: Healthy plants that grow from good seeds can absorb nutrients from the soil more effectively.
2. How can a farmer identify healthy seeds from a mixed lot before sowing?
A simple and effective method to separate healthy seeds from damaged ones is to put them in water. Healthy, viable seeds are denser and will sink to the bottom of the container. In contrast, damaged, hollow, or insect-eaten seeds are lighter and will float on the surface. These floating seeds can be easily removed, ensuring that only the healthy ones are used for sowing.
3. What are the main methods used for sowing seeds in a field?
There are two primary methods for sowing seeds as per the CBSE Class 8 syllabus:
- Traditional Method (Broadcasting): This involves scattering seeds by hand. It is simple but often results in uneven distribution and seeds not being planted at the correct depth, leaving them exposed to birds.
- Modern Method (Seed Drill): A seed drill is a machine used with a tractor that sows seeds uniformly at the correct depth and distance. It also covers the seeds with soil, protecting them from pests and ensuring better germination.
4. Why must seeds be sown at the correct depth and distance?
Sowing seeds at the appropriate depth and distance is critical for healthy plant growth.
- Correct Depth: If seeds are sown too deep, they may not get enough air and sunlight to germinate. If they are too shallow, they can be eaten by birds or dry out.
- Correct Distance: Proper spacing prevents overcrowding among seedlings. It ensures that each plant gets adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil, leading to a healthier and more productive crop.
5. How does a seed drill provide an advantage over the traditional broadcasting method?
A seed drill is superior to traditional broadcasting for several reasons:
- Uniformity: It ensures that seeds are sown at equal distances and at the correct depth.
- Protection: The drill automatically covers the seeds with soil, protecting them from being eaten by birds.
- Efficiency: It saves significant time and labour compared to manual sowing.
- No Wastage: It prevents wastage of seeds that occurs with uneven hand-scattering.
These factors lead to a higher rate of successful germination and a better overall crop yield.
6. What happens if overcrowding occurs due to improper sowing of seeds?
Improper sowing that leads to overcrowding forces plants to compete intensely for essential resources. This competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients results in a crop of weak, underdeveloped, and stunted plants. To avoid this, farmers sometimes have to remove extra seedlings to ensure the remaining plants have enough space to grow properly, which is an inefficient use of seeds and labour.
7. What are the key characteristics to look for when selecting seeds for a crop?
When selecting seeds, a farmer should look for several key characteristics to ensure a successful crop. The seeds should be:
- High-yielding: Chosen from a variety known to produce a large quantity of grain.
- Disease-resistant: Free from any pathogens to prevent crop failure.
- Pure: Not mixed with seeds of other crops or weeds.
- Intact and Viable: Not broken or damaged, and capable of germination.
