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.
And transplanting is term used for the planting the seedling grown into
nursery to different field, pot or plot for different purposes.
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| Seed Broadcasting by Farmer |
Methods of Sowing
Seeds
may be sown directly or transplanted. For transplanting, the seeds are sown in
nursery and the nursery is later transplanted to field. The methods of sowing
are enlisted and detailed as under;
a)
Broadcasting
b)
Dibbling
c)
Drilling
d)
Sowing behind the country plough
e)
Planting
f)
Transplanting
1.
BROADCASTING
Broadcasting
is one of the oldest and most common methods of seed sowing, where the seeds
are just spread on the soil; the seeds may or may not be covered with soil. Broadcasting
may be done manually, or through mechanical spreader or aeroplane.
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| Manual Broadcasting |
Advantages
à This method is cheap.
à It takes less time.
à Only suitable for small seeded
and crops where plant to plant distance is small or does not matter.
Disadvantages
of broadcasting
à Seed distribution is uneven.
à Seeds may or may not be covered
by soil.
à Seed density and depth are
uneven.
à Non-uniform seed germination.
à Seedling vigor and hence crop
stand is affected from uneven distribution.
2.
DIBBLING
Dibbling
is the placing of seeds in holes or pits at equal predetermined distances and
depths. This is done by dibble, planter or manually.
Advantages
à Less seed is required.
à Rapid and uniform germination.
à Good seedling vigor.
Disadvantages
à Time consuming.
à More labor and/or cost is high.
3.
DRILLING
It
is the practice of dropping of seeds in holes, the seeds are then covered and
compacted. Drilling is done with seed drill or seed-cum-fertilizer drill. Seeds
can be drilled continuously in a row or drilling can be done at set distances.
Rows can be set according to requirements.
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| Zero tillage Seed Drill |
Advantages
à Less seed is required.
à Rapid germination and uniform
plant population per unit area.
à Manures, fertilizers and
amendments can applied with seeds during drilling.
Disadvantages
à Time consuming
à More labor and/or cost is high
4.
SOWING BEHIND THE COUNTRY PLOUGH
In
this method, the seeds are placed into the furrows ploughed in the field either
continuously or at specific distance manually by a man working behind plough.
The depth of sowing depends on the depth of plough.
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| Seed planting in the furrow created by the plough |
5.
PLANTING
Planting
is the placement of seeds or propagules firmly in the soil for germination and
growth.
6.
TRANSPLANTING
Transplanting
is the practice of planting seedlings in main field after pulling out from the
nursery.
Why nursery is
raised?
à It is done to reduce the main
field duration of the crops thus allowing multiple crops per year.
à Extra care can be provided for
specific seedlings.
à It is done for small seeded
crops like rice which requires shallow sowing and frequent irrigation for
proper germination.
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| Rice transplanting by females in a puddled field |
