träplogar

Träplogar, meaning "wooden ploughs" in Swedish, refers to a type of agricultural implement primarily constructed from wood, historically used for tilling soil. These tools predate the widespread use of metal in farming and were essential for breaking ground and preparing fields for cultivation. The design of a träplog varied regionally and over time, but typically featured a share (the cutting edge), a mouldboard (which turned over the soil), and handles for the farmer to guide the plough.

The effectiveness of a träplog was dependent on the type of wood used, its hardness, and the skill of the craftsman who built it. Common woods included oak or elm for their durability. While simpler in construction than their metal counterparts, träplogar were vital for subsistence farming for centuries. They required significant physical effort to operate, often pulled by oxen or horses. The advent of iron and later steel ploughs gradually replaced wooden ones due to their superior durability, sharpness, and efficiency in various soil conditions. Nevertheless, träplogar represent an important stage in the development of agricultural technology, reflecting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early farmers. In some contexts, wooden ploughs might still be found in historical reenactments or museums as examples of historical farming practices.