Külvikute

Külvikute are sowing implements used in agriculture to plant seeds with controlled depth and spacing. A külvik opens a shallow furrow, deposits seeds in the furrow, and covers them with soil, often followed by a press wheel or similar mechanism to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and seedling emergence.

Versions range from hand-operated tools to animal-drawn and tractor-drawn devices. They employ various metering systems to regulate seed flow, including simple cup-and-disk mechanisms and more precise mechanical or pneumatic meters. Some models are designed for row crops with specific spacing, while others accommodate different crops or generalized ground coverage. Modern variants include no-till or direct-seeding types that place seeds with minimal soil disturbance.

History and development: The seed drill concept emerged in Europe in the early modern period, with notable advances in the 18th century. Jethro Tull’s seed drill, introduced around 1701, is often cited as a pioneering development that improved sowing efficiency and germination compared to broadcast seeding. Over subsequent centuries, improvements in metering accuracy, durability, and adaptability expanded the use of seed drills across diverse crops and farming systems.

Modern context: Today, külvikute are commonly mounted on tractors or used as handheld tools in smaller-scale farming and gardening. They enable precise seeding rates, uniform establishment, better germination, and reduced seed waste. They remain relevant for cereals, legumes, and vegetable crops in many regions, including Estonia, where agricultural practices integrate traditional and modern seeding equipment.

See also: Seed drill, Planter, No-till farming.