Throughout the centuries, plowing has remained one of the most essential steps of agriculture. It is done to turn the soil over, thus increasing its fertility and making it ideal for growing plentiful yields. As humans have advanced, the method of plowing has evolved with time, allowing farmers to find more productive and efficient techniques.
Plowing with Oxen:
Oxen have been used to till the soil since 4000 years ago. This is an ancient practice started by the first human settlement on earth because they are of considerable strength, size, and temperament. Also, they could endure a simple diet, and their dung was a convenient source of fuel.
In the earliest of times, plowing by oxen was employed in many parts of the globe, and the practice continued for generations. It consisted of two animals hauling a plow steered by a single individual, accompanied by a handler to lead the oxen. While this method allowed farmers to till the land and plant crops in the process, it was considered inadequate for expansive estates, as farmers encountered complications in the rain and dry spells.
Horse-driven mechanical plowing:
In the Middle Ages, horses started being used in farming and their strength, speed, and compliance made them more beneficial for ploughing than oxen. They could dig deeper into the soil, which improved yield. However, a human had to steer them and work the plough, so it remained laborious and protracted, restraining farmers from realizing the utmost of their land’s possibilities.
The invention of the tractor-based plough revolutionized agriculture:
The invention of the internal combustion engine in the late 19th century was a pivotal moment in the development of agricultural techniques. This marked the introduction of the tractor, a powerful machine capable of breaking and ploughing the land at an unprecedented speed.
This machine had a dramatic impact on the way farmers approached their work. As a result of tractors replacing horses and oxen, the ploughs could be adjusted to the tractor’s strength and power, thus increasing ploughing speed, depth, and accuracy. Consequently, farmers could now work on larger plots of land, produce more crops, and maximize their harvests.
Modern Ploughing Techniques:
Ploughing has seen immense development through the introduction of modern technologies. With more and more research, new ploughing techniques came into force, such as no-tillage, minimum-tillage, and strip-tillage that involve using a machine to create a narrow and shallow trench to deposit seeds and nutrients, without disrupting the other soil components. This approach has been known to decrease soil erosion, retain water, and maintain soil structure and composition.
Conclusion:
Throughout the centuries, ploughing practices have evolved drastically to suit the growing needs of the agricultural industry’sand the mounting requirements for minimizing human labour and time. Though some farmers stick to classic techniques, contemporary approaches have assisted in escalating productivity.
Moving forward, it is essential to establish an equilibrium between increased output and environmental protection for a lasting impact. Thus, ploughing remains a pivotal process for farming and food production worldwide.
