sowers

A sower is an individual or instrument that places seeds into soil for germination and growth. Historically, the term referred to any farmer or laborer who scattered seeds by hand or with simple tools. It can also denote machinery such as seed drills or broadcast seeders used in agricultural operations. Sowing is a fundamental step in crop production and horticulture, with the method chosen based on seed size, soil type, moisture, and the desired planting pattern.

Common sowing methods include broadcasting (scattering seeds across the field), row sowing or drilling (placing seeds in furrows at a uniform depth), and precision sowing using calibrated seed drills or planters. Seed drills deposit seeds at a controlled depth and spacing to promote uniform emergence, while broadcast sowing is faster for large areas and can suit forage crops or uneven ground. No-till or minimal-till systems often employ specialized sowers to reduce soil disturbance.

In culture and history, the sower appears in the Parable of the Sower in the New Testament and in art such as Millet’s The Sower, reflecting themes of cultivation and growth. Modern agriculture relies on mechanized sowing to improve efficiency, germination rates, and resource use, with attention to seed rate, seed quality, soil temperature, and moisture.