úsó

Ásó is the Hungarian term for a hoe, a hand tool used for soil cultivation and weed control in gardening and agriculture. It typically features a metal blade attached to a long wooden or metal handle. The blade is used to cut weed stems just below or at the soil surface and to loosen soil for aeration and root development.

Designs vary and include blades set at right angles to the handle for pushing or pulling motions, as well as blades aligned with the handle for close-to-ground work. Common blade shapes include rectangular, triangular, or curved profiles, and the tool may be described by regional names such as Dutch hoe, draw hoe, scuffle hoe, or ring hoe. Handles commonly range from about 30 to 100 cm, allowing use at knee to waist height.

Usage typically involves light, controlled strokes near the soil surface to cut weeds while minimizing disturbance to crop roots. Users maintain a shallow working depth and avoid levering soil too aggressively. The tool is effective when soil is workable but not waterlogged, and keeping the blade sharp improves cutting efficiency and reduces effort.

Maintenance and history: Hoe-like implements are among the oldest agricultural tools, with widespread use across cultures. The ásó remains common in Hungarian-speaking regions as part of both traditional and modern horticulture. After use, the blade should be cleaned and dried, the handle checked or tightened as needed, and the edge sharpened periodically to maintain effectiveness.