what is ploughing Related: Short Notes - Crop Production and Manageme...
A Plough or Plow is an Agricultural Implement which is used to cut the soil and make it suitable for the process called seed sowing. Before sowing the seeds into the field, it is paramount to make the field suitable. To accomplish this, different types of ploughs are used nowadays.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 8 courses
what is ploughing Related: Short Notes - Crop Production and Manageme...
Hey mate here's your answer
Conceptually, tilling is more like running a comb or a rake over the soil, while plowing is more like using a spatula to flip a pancake. ... A tilling machine runs blades through the soil, while a plow's main work is to flip soil over on top of itself. This is a basically different approach to mixing and aerating the soil.
what is ploughing Related: Short Notes - Crop Production and Manageme...
Ploughing: An Essential Step in Crop Production
Ploughing is a crucial agricultural practice that involves turning over the top layer of soil to prepare it for planting crops. It is an essential step in crop production as it helps in various ways to ensure better growth and yield of the crops. Let's delve into the details of ploughing and its significance in crop production.
1. Definition and Purpose of Ploughing
Ploughing is the process of loosening and turning over the top layer of soil using a plough. The primary purpose of ploughing is to create a suitable seedbed for sowing seeds or planting seedlings. It helps in breaking up compacted soil, removing weeds, and incorporating organic matter or fertilizers into the soil.
2. Benefits of Ploughing
Ploughing offers numerous benefits that contribute to the overall productivity of the crops. Some of the key advantages of ploughing are:
- Soil Aeration: By turning over the soil, ploughing improves soil aeration, allowing oxygen to reach the plant roots. This promotes root development and enhances nutrient uptake.
- Weed Control: Ploughing buries weed seeds or plants, disrupting their growth cycle and preventing them from competing with the crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
- Soil Structure Improvement: Ploughing breaks up compacted soil, allowing better water infiltration and root penetration. It also helps in improving soil drainage and reducing the risk of waterlogging.
- Nutrient Incorporation: During ploughing, organic matter or fertilizers can be added to the soil. The plough mixes these substances into the soil, ensuring a more even distribution of nutrients for the growing plants.
- Pest and Disease Control: Ploughing can help in reducing pest and disease pressure by burying crop residues or diseased plant material, minimizing the chances of reinfection in subsequent crops.
3. Ploughing Methods
There are different methods of ploughing, including:
- Traditional Ploughing: It involves using a traditional plough pulled by animals such as oxen or horses to turn over the soil.
- Mechanical Ploughing: In modern agriculture, tractors equipped with ploughing implements are commonly used for efficient and faster ploughing.
4. Ploughing Time
The timing of ploughing depends on various factors, such as the type of crop, soil condition, and climate. Generally, ploughing is done before the onset of the rainy season, allowing the soil to settle and become ready for sowing.
Conclusion
Ploughing is a fundamental practice in crop production and management. It prepares the soil for planting, enhances soil fertility, promotes better root development and nutrient uptake, and controls weeds, pests, and diseases. By understanding the importance of ploughing and adopting appropriate ploughing methods, farmers can optimize crop growth and maximize yields.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 8 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 8.