Seeding methods commonly used for seeding crops are: 1. Broadcasting 2. Dibbling 3. Drilling 4. Seed Dropping behind the Plough 5. Transplanting 6. Hill Dropping 7. Check Row Planting.
Method # 1. Broadcasting:
Broadcasting is the process of random scattering of seeds on the surface of seed beds. It can be done manually or mechanically both. When broadcasting is done manually, uniformity of seed depends upon skill of the man.
Soon after broadcasting, the seeds are covered by planking or some other devices. Usually higher seed rate is obtained in this system. Mechanical broadcasters are used for large scale works. This machine scatters the seeds on the surface of the seed bed at controlled rates.
Method # 2. Dibbling:
Dibbling is the process of placing the seeds in holes made in seed bed and covering them. In this method, seeds are placed in holes made at definite depth at fixed spacing. The equipment used for dibbling is called dibbler. It is a conical instrument used to make proper holes in the field. Small hand dibblers are made rig with several conical projections made in a frame. This is very time consuming process, so it is not suitable for small seeds. Mostly vegetables are sown in this way.
Method # 3. Drilling:
Drilling consists of dropping the seeds in furrow lines in a continuous flow and covering them with soil. Seed metering may be done either manually or mechanically. The number of rows planted may be one or more. This method is very helpful in achieving proper depth, proper spacing and proper amount of seed to be sown in the field.
Drilling can be done by:
(a) Sowing behind the plough
(b) Bullock drawn seed drills
(c) Tractor drawn seed drills.
Method # 4. Seed Dropping behind the Plough:
It is very common method used in villages. It is used for seed like maize, gram, peas, wheat and barley. A man drops seeds in the furrows behind the plough. Sowing behind the plough can be done by a device known as Malobansa. It consists of a bamboo tube provided with a funnel shaped mouth. One man drops the seeds through the funnel and other man handles the plough and the bullocks. This is a slow and laborious method.
Method # 5. Transplanting:
Transplanting consists of preparing seedlings in nursery and then planting these seedlings in the prepared field. It is commonly done for paddy, vegetables and flowers. It is very time consuming operation. Equipment for placing plants in the soil is called transplanter.
Method # 6. Hill Dropping:
In this method, seeds are dropped at fixed spacing and not in a continuous stream. Thus the spacing between plant to plant in a row is constant. In case of drills, the seeds are dropped in continuous stream and the spacing between plant to plant in a row is not constant.
Method # 7. Check Row Planting:
It is a method of planting, in which row to row and plant to plant distance is uniform. In this method, seeds are planted precisely along straight parallel furrows. The rows are always in two perpendicular directions. A machine used for check row planting is called check row planter.