Plough

Einscharpflug - Farmer plowing in Fahrenwalde, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany

Old plough schema

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Araire 13th

Maler der Grabkammer des Sennudem 001

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Akkadian seal Agricultural scene Louvre Museum

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Chikkagowdanakoppalu, Yelwala

Plough or plow (American English) is a farming tool used for turning over the soil to bring fresh nutrients to the surface, as well as to bury weeds and the remains of previous crops. Ploughs were traditionally drawn by working animals such as oxen and horses, but in modern farms, they are pulled by tractors. A plough may be made of wood, iron, or steel frame with an attached blade or stick used to cut the earth. It has been a fundamental instrument for most of recorded history, enabling agriculture to flourish by making the soil more fertile and reducing the time needed to prepare the land for planting.

History

The plough has a long history that dates back to the Neolithic Age. Early ploughs, known as ard or scratch ploughs, were made of wooden beams and were pulled by oxen. These ploughs were simple and could only scratch the surface of the soil. The introduction of the iron ploughshare in the Iron Age significantly improved the efficiency of ploughing by allowing deeper tillage of the soil and the ability to cut through denser vegetation.

The development of the mouldboard plough in the Middle Ages was another significant advancement. This type of plough includes a curved metal plate (the mouldboard) that turns over the cut soil, thereby improving the efficiency of turning the soil and burying weeds. The design of the plough continued to evolve through the centuries, with significant innovations such as the adjustable mouldboard and the introduction of the steel plough in the 19th century.

Types of Ploughs

There are several types of ploughs, each designed for specific tasks:

• Mouldboard plough: This is the most common type, designed to cut through and invert the soil, creating furrows and ridges.
• Disc plough: Uses concave rotating discs to cut and turn the soil. It is particularly useful in areas with hard, stony ground or in regions with heavy vegetation.
• Chisel plough: Designed to aerate the soil and reduce compaction without turning over the soil. This type is often used for soil conservation practices.
• Rotary plough or rotavator: Equipped with rotating blades, it is used for soil breaking, aerating, and weed control.

Ploughing Techniques

Ploughing techniques vary depending on the type of plough used, the soil conditions, and the specific requirements of the crop to be planted. Some common ploughing techniques include:

• Conventional ploughing: The soil is fully inverted, typically using a mouldboard plough.
• Minimum tillage: Involves minimal soil disturbance, often using a chisel plough, to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.
• No-till farming: A farming technique that involves growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage.

Environmental Impact

While ploughing is essential for modern agriculture, it can have several negative environmental impacts. These include increased soil erosion, loss of soil organic matter, disruption of soil microorganisms, and compaction of the soil layer beneath the ploughed layer. Conservation tillage practices, such as minimum tillage and no-till farming, have been developed to mitigate some of these impacts.

Cultural Significance

The plough has been a symbol of agriculture and rural life for centuries. It represents human efforts to control nature and has been featured in various cultural expressions, including literature, art, and religion. The plough also symbolizes hard work, fertility, and prosperity in many cultures.