ploughshares

A ploughshare is the part of a plough that cuts the soil. It is typically a flat piece of metal, shaped to slice through the earth, loosening it and turning it over. The design of the ploughshare has evolved over centuries, with different shapes and materials developed to suit various soil types and farming methods. Early ploughshares were often made of wood, sometimes tipped with stone or metal. With the advent of iron and steelworking, ploughshares became much more durable and effective.

The primary function of a ploughshare is to break up the soil, making it easier for subsequent parts of the plough, such as the mouldboard, to turn over the soil. This process is crucial for agriculture as it helps to aerate the soil, bury crop residues, and prepare a seedbed. The angle and sharpness of the ploughshare significantly impact its performance. A sharper share penetrates the soil more easily, while the angle determines how much soil is lifted and turned.

In addition to its agricultural role, the term "ploughshare" also has symbolic meaning, often associated with peace. This is derived from a biblical passage in the Book of Isaiah (2:4), which speaks of nations beating their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks, signifying a transition from warfare to peaceful pursuits. This imagery has been widely adopted in peace movements and art.