Vetésforgató

Vetésforgató is a traditional agricultural implement used to sow seeds by distributing them from a hopper through a rotating dispensing mechanism. The device typically consists of a seed hopper, a metering mechanism that regulates flow, a rotating seed wheel or rotor that delivers seeds at a chosen rate, and a system to place seeds into the soil or onto the ground—often including furrow openers and a cover or press wheel to close the seed bed. It can be powered by manual cranking, by horse or donkey draft, or by a small engine, and is commonly arranged for one or several rows of sowing.

Operation is straightforward: seeds are placed in the hopper; as the implement is moved, the metering mechanism releases seeds at a calibrated pace. The rotary distributor drops seeds into furrows or onto the soil surface, after which the soil is covered and pressed to ensure contact.

Vetésforgatók are typically used on small plots or in low-resource settings, especially for crops with larger seeds or where precise modern drills are unavailable. They offer simple construction, low cost, and easy maintenance, with the seeding rate adjustable by a simple scale or lever. However, they generally provide less precision in seed spacing and depth than modern pneumatic or mechanical drills, and effectiveness depends on consistent movement speed and appropriate seed type.

Historically, such devices were common in the 19th and early 20th centuries and served as a practical bridge between hand sowing and advanced seeding technology. Today they are largely superseded by modern seed drills, but may still be found in traditional farming, demonstrations, or certain experimental contexts.

See also: seed drill, seeder, sowing machine.