What is sowing in plants definition steps and methods
Since the past decades, agriculture plays a crucial role in the life of an economy. The entire world depends on agriculture for food. And so, agriculture is mainly involved in the production of basic food crops. Altogether, about 70 – 80 percent of the world’s population practices agriculture. There are certain parameters and different agricultural practices, which need to be followed for good quality and quantity of crop production.This is where the process of sowing helps.
What is Sowing?
Sowing is a process of planting seeds into the soil. During this agricultural process, proper precautions should be taken including the appropriate depth, proper distance maintained, and soil should be clean, healthy and free from disease and other pathogens including fungus. All these precautions are essential for seed germination – the process of seeds developing into new plants.
Sowing plays an important role in farming. Once after the soil is loosened and ploughed, the good, disease-free and pure quality of seeds are selected and sown into the soil. After selecting seeds of good quality, they are sown on the prepared land. The seeds, which give high yields are usually selected and are sown by the following methods.
Methods of Sowing
There are various methods used for sowing the seeds.
Traditional Method
A tool is used to sow the seeds traditionally that is funnel-shaped. The funnel is filled with seeds and the seeds pass through two or three pipes with sharp ends. These ends enter into the soil and the seeds are placed there.
Broadcasting
In this process, the seeds are scattered on the seedbeds either mechanically or manually. In the broadcasting method of sowing, the seeds are spread uniformly and are then covered by planking. When there are a large number of seeds, the work is done using mechanical broadcasters. The seed rate is very high in this system.
Dibbling
Holes are made in the seedbeds and the seeds are placed in it. The seedbeds are then covered. The holes are made at definite depths. A dibbler is used for dibbling. It is a conical instrument that makes proper holes in the seedbed. This method is usually used to sow vegetables.
Drilling
The seeds are dropped into furrow lines in a continuous flow and are then covered with soil. This is done either mechanically or manually. The proper amount of seeds are sown at proper depths and proper spaces. Drilling can be done in the following ways:
Sowing behind the plough.
Bullock-drawn seed drills.
Tractor-drawn seeds drills.
Seed Dropping Behind the Plough
This method is commonly used in villages to sow a variety of food crops such as maize, peas, wheat, barley, and gram. Seeds are dropped in furrows behind the plough by a device known as malobansa. It comprises a bamboo tube with a funnel-shaped mouth. It needs two men to drop the seeds. One handles the bullocks and the plough and the other drops the seeds. However, this method consumes a lot of time and is labour-intensive.
Transplanting
In this process, the seedlings are first planted in nurseries and then planted in the prepared fields. It is usually done to grow vegetables and flowers. A transplanter is used for the purpose. But, this process is time-consuming.
Hill Dropping
In this method of sowing, the selected seeds are dropped at regular spaces but not in a continuous manner.
Check Row Planting
The seeds are planted along straight parallel furrows. A check row planter is used for the method. The row-to-row and plant-to-plant distance is uniform.
Precautions While Sowing the Seeds
There are a few necessary precautions, which need to be followed while sowing the seeds.
Listed Below are a Few of Them:
The seeds should be disease-free.
Seeds must be planted at correct distances from each other.
Seeds should be sown such that all the crops should get an equal amount of light, nutrients, and water.
Seeds should be sown at correct depths. They should neither be placed at the top of the soil so that it is blown away by wind and animals nor should it be sown too deep into the soil such that it does not germinate.
FAQs on Sowing in Plants and Crop Production
1. What is sowing in agriculture?
Sowing is the process of placing seeds into the soil to initiate germination and grow new crops. It is the first step in crop production and ensures that seeds are positioned properly for growth.
- Seeds are placed at the correct depth in the soil.
- Proper spacing is maintained to avoid overcrowding.
- Sowing is usually done after ploughing and soil preparation.
2. Why is sowing important for crop production?
Sowing is important because it ensures proper plant population and healthy crop growth from the beginning. The way seeds are sown directly affects germination rate and yield.
- Maintains uniform plant spacing.
- Ensures proper access to nutrients, water, and sunlight.
- Reduces competition among seedlings.
3. What are the different methods of sowing?
The main methods of sowing include broadcasting, dibbling, drilling, and transplanting. Each method varies in precision and efficiency.
- Broadcasting: Seeds are scattered by hand over the field.
- Dibbling: Seeds are placed in holes at fixed distances.
- Drilling: Seeds are sown in rows using a seed drill.
- Transplanting: Seedlings are first grown in nurseries and then planted in fields.
4. What is the correct depth for sowing seeds?
The correct sowing depth depends on seed size, but generally seeds are planted at a depth about two to three times their size. Proper depth ensures successful germination.
- Too deep: Seedlings may not reach the surface.
- Too shallow: Seeds may dry out or be eaten by birds.
- Small seeds require shallow placement, while larger seeds can be sown deeper.
5. What factors affect seed germination after sowing?
Seed germination after sowing depends mainly on adequate water, oxygen, and suitable temperature. These environmental conditions activate the embryo inside the seed.
- Moisture softens the seed coat and activates enzymes.
- Oxygen is needed for cellular respiration.
- Optimal temperature ensures proper metabolic activity.
6. What is a seed drill and how does it work?
A seed drill is a farming tool that sows seeds uniformly at proper depth and spacing in the soil. It improves accuracy compared to manual methods.
- Creates furrows in the soil.
- Drops seeds at equal intervals.
- Covers seeds with soil automatically.
7. What is the difference between broadcasting and drilling in sowing?
The main difference between broadcasting and drilling is the level of precision in seed placement. Broadcasting scatters seeds randomly, while drilling places them in rows at uniform depth.
- Broadcasting: Simple but uneven distribution.
- Drilling: Uniform spacing and better germination rate.
- Drilling reduces competition among plants.
8. How does proper spacing during sowing affect plant growth?
Proper spacing during sowing ensures that each plant receives adequate sunlight, nutrients, and water for healthy growth. Overcrowding can reduce crop yield.
- Prevents competition among roots.
- Improves air circulation, reducing disease risk.
- Promotes better leaf and stem development.
9. What precautions should be taken before sowing seeds?
Before sowing, farmers should ensure proper soil preparation and use healthy, disease-free seeds. These precautions increase germination success.
- Plough and level the field properly.
- Select certified, high-quality seeds.
- Treat seeds with fungicides if necessary.
- Check soil moisture and fertility.
10. What is the role of soil preparation in successful sowing?
Soil preparation creates a favorable environment for seed germination and root growth after sowing. Well-prepared soil enhances nutrient availability and aeration.
- Ploughing loosens the soil.
- Levelling ensures uniform water distribution.
- Addition of manure or fertilizers improves fertility.
