Question

(a) What is meant by 'sowing' ? What are the various methods of sowing the seeds ?

(b) What precautions should be taken in sowing the seeds ?

Answer 1

Part (a): Sowing

1. The process of planting seeds is called sowing.​
2. After the preparation of soil, the previously selected seeds are scattered in the field.
3. Sowing should be done carefully and uniformly to avoid overcrowding of crops in the seed bed.
   
4. For sufficient sunlight, water and other requirements congestion need to be prevented.
   
5. Traditionally, sowing is done manually whereas nowadays seed drilling machines are used.

Traditional method:

1. Here seeds are sown either by hand or by using tools.
   
2. Sowing of seeds by hand is called broadcasting.
   
3. This is cheap but a uniform distribution is not maintained.
   
4. Alternatively, a funnel-like a tool filled with seeds is used.
   
5. Seeds are passed through pipes deep into the soil.

Drilling machine:

1. This is a modern method where sowing is done by iron drills connected to a tractor.
   
2. Here also funnels filled with seeds are present at the top of the drill.
   
3. When plough moves, seeds are distributed into the furrow made by the plough and covered.
   
4. This method is more advantageous than the traditional method.
   
5. They distribute seeds at regular distances and depth and are also profitable in terms of both labor and time.

Selection and sowing of seeds are two agricultural practices which demand extreme attention and care.

Part (b): Precautions for sowing seeds:

1. The soil is in level. Their is no pebbles in the soil.
2. The soil is sown at the proper depth. Not much above not much below.
3. The seeds should be sown at the proper distance from other plants or seeds.
   
4. So that they may not fight for air, water, sunlight and space.