külviku

Külvik is a term primarily used in Latvian agriculture to refer to a seed drill or planter. It is a piece of farm machinery designed to sow seeds at specific depths and spacings in the soil. The primary function of a külvik is to ensure uniform seed distribution, which is crucial for optimal crop establishment and yield.

Modern külviks are highly sophisticated implements that can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Many are equipped with attachments for fertilizing, preparing the seedbed, or even applying pesticides alongside sowing. The width of a külvik can vary greatly, from small, manually operated versions to large, tractor-pulled units spanning several meters, allowing for efficient work on extensive fields.

The operation of a külvik typically involves a hopper that holds the seeds, a mechanism for metering the seeds and dropping them at controlled intervals, and coulters or openers that create furrows in the soil. These are then followed by covering devices, such as press wheels or harrows, that close the furrows and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Different types of külviks exist, including those for sowing cereals, row crops like corn or beans, and specialized models for smaller seeds or specific planting patterns. The choice of külvik depends on the type of crop, soil conditions, and the desired planting precision.