Page 7 - Genius Kidz Prudence Learning Sc-8

(b) Role of soil : Soil is the most important
factor for plant growth. Soil holds the plant
roots in ground and fulfils its water and

mineral requirements. Plant growth
depends on fertility of soil, therefore soil
preparation is required prior to seed Plough
sowing. (ii) Hoe : It consists of long rod of iron or
(c) Soil preparation : It is done before sowing wood with a broad plate of iron fixed at

of seeds so as to make the soil suitable for one end.
agriculture. This is mainly done through the
process of ploughing or tilling. The
loosening and turning of the top soil layer
usually after addition of manure is called
ploughing or tilling.

Hoe
(iii) Cultivator : It consists of iron tray with a
number of blades that are fixed
vertically along the tray. Cultivator is
driven by a tractor.

Earthworms and micro-organisms
Ploughing
Advantages of ploughing : further aid in soil loosening and turning
it. They are called farmer’s friends.
Aids in easy penetration of roots.

Increases the soil aeration rate.
Water holding capacity of soil is also
increased.

Loosened soil encourages more
earthworms and microbes hence more
nutrients for plants.
Cultivator
(d) Agricultural implements needed for soil
preparation. 2. Sowing : Sowing is the most important part
(i) Plough : of crop production :

Design : It consists of a triangular iron (a) Selection of seed : Prior to sowing, seeds of
strip called plough share and long wood better quality must be selected. Better
log called plough shaft. Wooden quality seeds are those which are disease
ploughs have now been replaced by iron free and promise better yield.

ploughs. Ploughs are driven by a pair of (b) Seed treatment : Once good quality of
bullocks or camels or horses or are seeds are selected, they need to be
driven by tractors. protected from microbial attack.

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