siewniki

Siewniki, or sowing machines, are agricultural implements designed to plant seeds at controlled depth and spacing. They are typically mounted on or pulled by tractors and consist of a seed hopper, a metering mechanism that dispenses seeds at a chosen rate, distribution tubes that carry seeds to the soil, and row opener devices that create furrows. A depth-control element, such as a press wheel or depth gauge, helps close the furrow after sowing. Modern models may include pneumatic or electro-mechanical metering, electronic control, and the ability to vary the seeding rate across a field.

Types and configurations vary. Mechanical siewniki use a gear or wheel-driven metering system and are common for cereals and legumes. Pneumatic siewniki use compressed air to convey seeds from the hopper to the furrows, allowing precise handling of small seeds and improved spacing. Siewniki rzędowe (row sowing machines) plant seeds in defined rows, while precision or variable-rate siewniki enable adjustments in seeding density based on field conditions, often guided by GPS and mapping data. There are also vegetable seeders specialized for transplanting or broadcasting certain crops.

Use and crops. Siewniki are employed for field crops such as wheat, barley, oats, maize, canola, and legumes, as well as some grasses and certain vegetables when adapted. They are valued for achieving uniform germination, reducing seed waste, and enabling efficient large-scale sowing.

History. The concept of a seed drill emerged in Europe in the 17th–18th centuries, with later innovations that increased accuracy and yield. Modern siewniki reflect ongoing advances in mechanization, automation, and precision agriculture.