The main tools are plough, hoe, and cultivator. They break soil clumps, aid in tilling, removing weeds, and loosening the soil for better yield.
NCERT Class 8 Science
Chapter 1 Crop Production and Management
What are the main tools used to break soil clumps before sowing, and how do they function?
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The main tools used to break soil clumps before sowing are the plough, hoe, and cultivator. The plough, traditionally made of wood but now often iron, is drawn by animals like bulls and is equipped with a strong triangular iron strip called a ploughshare. It turns the soil, adds fertilizers, removes weeds, and aids in overall soil preparation.
The hoe is a simple tool with a long rod of wood or iron and a broad, bent plate of iron at one end, used for removing weeds and loosening the soil. The cultivator, driven by tractors, efficiently tills the soil, saving labor and time in modern agriculture.
The main tools used to break soil clumps before sowing are harrows and cultivators. Harrows consist of metal spikes or disks that are dragged over the soil surface, breaking up clumps and leveling the ground. They are effective for preparing a smooth seedbed. Cultivators are equipped with rotating blades or shovels that penetrate the soil, breaking clods and incorporating organic matter. They can be adjusted for different soil depths. Both harrows and cultivators enhance soil structure, improve aeration, and create an optimal environment for seed germination. These tools are essential in soil preparation, ensuring better seed-soil contact and promoting successful crop establishment.