Question

In hill dropping method of sowing, group of seeds are dropped at

• A. fixed spacing
• B. continuous stream
• C. ridge and valley
• D. variable spacing

Hint:

To distinguish between sowing methods:
- Continuous stream \(\rightarrow\) Drilling.
- Group of seeds at regular intervals \(\rightarrow\) Hill Dropping.
- Grid alignment in both directions \(\rightarrow\) Check-Row Planting.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sowing is the process of placing seeds in the soil at a desired depth to ensure optimal germination and plant growth.
Different mechanical sowing methods are used depending on the crop type, spacing requirements, and soil conditions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the mechanical characteristics of the common sowing methods:
- Hill Dropping Method: In this method, the seed-drill drops seeds in small groups (referred to as "hills") at regular, pre-determined intervals along the row.
This ensures a fixed, uniform spacing between adjacent plants, which helps optimize light interception, nutrient availability, and weeding operations.
This matches statement A.
- Drilling Method: This method involves dropping seeds in a continuous, uninterrupted stream along the furrow.
The spacing between seeds within the row is not fixed, although the row-to-row spacing is regulated.
- Check-Row Planting: This is a variation of hill dropping where the seeds are planted in hills such that the rows are aligned in two perpendicular directions.
This allows for cross-cultivation and weeding in both directions.
- Broadcasting: This is the random, manual, or mechanical scattering of seeds over the soil surface, resulting in irregular spacing and variable depth.
Therefore, the defining feature of the hill dropping method is that groups of seeds are dropped at fixed spacing.

Step 3: Final Answer:
In the hill dropping method, seeds are dropped at fixed spacing.