Different methods of sowing
- 2. WHAT IS SOWING ? Sowing (or seed sowing) is defined as the process of placing the seed in soil to germinate and grow into plant. In comparison, planting is the putting the plant propagules in soil for growing plants. Propagules can be seedlings, roots, tubers, leaves, or cuttings.
- 4. METHODS OF SOWING Broadly there are two methods of sowing 1. Direct seeding 2. Transplanting Direct sowing can be sub divided into two types a. Broadcasting b. Line sowing Line sowing can be done in three ways i. Drilling ii. Dibbling iii. Sowing behind the plough
- 5. BROADCASTING Broadcasting is the process of random scattering of seed on the surface of seedbeds. It can be done manually or mechanically both. When broadcasting is done manually, uniformity of seed depends upon skill of the man. Soon after broadcasting the seeds are covered by planking or some other devices. Usually higher seed rate is required in this system.
- 7. DIBBLING Dibbling is the process of placing seeds in holes made in seedbed and covering them. In this method, seeds are placed in holes made at definite depth at fixed spacing. The equipment used for dibbling is called dibbler. This is very time consuming process, so it is not suitable for small seeds. Mostly vegetables are sown in this way.
- 8. DRILLING Drilling consists of dropping the seeds in furrow lines in a continuous flow and covering them with soil. Seed metering may be done either manually or mechanically. The number of rows planted may be one or more. This method is very helpful in achieving proper depth, proper spacing and proper amount of seed to be sown in the field. Drilling can be done by (1) Sowing behind the plough (2) Bullock drawn seed drills (3) Tractor drawn seed drills.
- 10. SOWING BEHIND THE PLOUGH It is very common method used in villages. It is used for seed like maize, gram, peas, wheat and barley. A man drops seeds in the furrow behind the plough. Sowing behind the plough can be done by one man dropping the seeds through a funnel and other man handlling the plough and the bullocks. This is a slow and laborious method.
- 12. TRANSPLANTING Transplanting consists of preparing seedlings in nursery and then planting these seedlings in the prepared field. It is commonly done for vegetable and flowers. It is very time consuming operation. Equipment for placing plants in the soil is called transplanter.