Page 7 - Science Class 08

before ploughing. The ploughed field may have
big pieces of soil called crumbs. It is necessary
to break these crumbs with a plank. The field is
levelled for sowing as well as for irriga on
purposes. The levelling of soil is done with the

help of a leveller.
Some mes, manure is added to the soil before
lling. This helps in proper mixing of manure
with soil. The soil is watered before sowing.

Agricultural Implements : Before sowing the
Cul vator is driven by a tractor.
seeds, it is necessary to break soil to the size of
grains to get be er yield. This is done with the Selec on of Seeds : The next process a er the
help of various tools. The main tools used for prepara on of soil is selec on of seeds.
this purpose are the plough, hoe and cul vator. Following points should be kept in mind when

v Plough : This is being used since ancient you are selec ng seeds for your crops:
mes for lling the soil, adding fer lisers to v Seeds should be of good quality, healthy
the crop, removing the weeds, scraping of and free from diseases.
soil, etc. This implement is made of wood v Seeds should not be kept in excessive heat
and is drawn by a pair of bulls or other
or moisture before sowing.
animals (horses, camels, etc.). It contains a
Sowing of Seeds : In this process, seeds of
strong triangular iron strip called plough-
desired crop are sown in the soil. We should
share. The main part of the plough is a
take the following points while sowing seeds:
long log of wood which is called a
ploughsha . There is a handle at one end v Seeds should be sown at the correct depth
of the sha . The other end is a ached to a in the soil. You should sow the seeds
beam which is placed on the bulls’ necks. neither at a great depth nor at the surface.
One pair of bulls and a man can easily At a great depth seeds do not get adequate
operate the plough. amount of air. And at the surface seeds
may be eaten by birds or they may be
The indigenous wooden plough is increa-
washed away by rain water or may be dried
singly being replaced by iron ploughs
by the sun.
nowadays.
v Seeds should be sown in moist soil so that
v Hoe : It is a simple tool which is used for
they could get water for germina on. But,
removing weeds and for loosening the soil.
there should not be excess water in the soil.
It has a long rod of wood or iron. A strong,
v Seeds should be sown at proper distances
broad and bent plate of iron is fixed to one
so that they could get enough space and
of its ends and plough works like a blade. It
adequate amount of nutrients to grow.
is pulled by animals.
v Seeds can be sown manually or by using
v Cul vator : Nowadays ploughing is done by
seed drills. This process is called broadcas-
tractor driven cul vator. The use of
ng. A seed drill consists of a funnel. The
cul vator saves labour and me.

Science-8 7