siembra

Siembra is the Spanish term for sowing or planting seeds, a fundamental practice in agriculture and horticulture. It refers to the act of placing viable seeds into soil or other growing media with the aim of germination and future crop or plant production. The concept also encompasses planning, timing, and care that influence successful establishment, including soil preparation, seed selection, and post-sowing management.

Common methods of siembra include broadcast sowing, where seeds are scattered over a field, and row or direct seeding, where seeds are placed at specific intervals and depths using mechanized planters or manual methods. Seed depth, spacing, and timing depend on the crop, soil conditions, and climate. After sowing, activities such as irrigation, weed control, and protection from pests and diseases help ensure germination and seedling growth. In many regions, siembra is accompanied by agronomic practices like seed treatment, fertilizer application, and crop rotation to maintain soil health and productivity.

Factors influencing success include soil moisture and temperature at planting, seed quality and viability, and environmental stressors. Proper siembra supports germination rates, uniform emergence, and eventual yields or plant vigor, while poor timing or handling can lead to uneven crops or crop failure. The concept is central to food security, smallholder farming, and landscape restoration, and it varies with crop type, climate, and farming systems.

In culture, Siembra is also the title of a 1978 studio album by Willie Colón and Rubén Blades, released on Fania Records, noted for its impact on salsa music and its social themes.