Which of the following agricultural tools is used to remove weeds in a field? (1) Harrow (2) Leveller (3) Plough (4) Wooden plank

Agricultural tools are designed to help farmers carry out various tasks on the farm efficiently, leading to increased productivity. The functions of agricultural tools include soil cultivation, sowing of seeds, weed control, and maintenance of planting beds.

For instance, the plough is used for turning over and loosening the soil, allowing for better aeration and water absorption which are crucial for crop establishment. Levellers level the ground, making it ideal for uniform irrigation and preventing waterlogging. Harrows break soil clods and even out the land post-ploughing, which helps in creating an optimal seedbed for sowing.

Different tools are specialised for particular tasks, but some have multiple functions. A harrow can moderately control weeds by disrupting the soil, but its primary purpose is as a soil refining tool post-ploughing. Meanwhile, a wooden plank, although primitive, aids in soil levelling, contributing to a more consistent soil depth for planting.

The harrow is a fundamental piece of farm equipment known for its soil refining capability. After ploughing, the field is often uneven, with large soil clods that can impede plant growth. The harrow's role is to break these clods and create a smoother land surface.

There are different types of harrows such as disc, tine, and chain, each efficiently handling soil depending on the condition. A disc harrow, for instance, consists of concave cutting blades that are especially good for chopping up weed roots and residues.

Post-Ploughing Preparation

After the field is ploughed, a harrow follows up to fine-tune the soil texture and prepare an ideal seedbed. The harrow's action can also uproot the smaller weeds, assisting in crop protection measures, although it is not the primary resource for comprehensive weed removal.

Soil levelling is the process of creating a flat, even field surface. It is essential for several reasons: improved water distribution, reduced soil erosion, and prevention of water pooling which can lead to crop diseases.

Tools like levellers and wooden planks are often used after initial tillage operations to ensure the ground is uniform.

Benefits of a Level Field

When the field is level, plants receive an equal opportunity to access water and nutrients, leading to a more uniform crop growth. A level field also simplifies other farming activities such as harvesting and irrigation.

While soil levelling does not directly remove weeds, the practice creates an environment that can reduce weed proliferation by optimising conditions for crop growth and making it easier to manage weed control activities.

Ploughing plays a pivotal role in weed control. By inverting and cutting through the soil, ploughs upturn weed roots, exposing them to the harsh surface conditions that lead to their death. This method, known as 'primary tillage,' is one of the most effective traditional ways of managing weeds.

As ploughs slice through the soil, they bury weed seeds and reduce their likelihood of germination. This process also helps in decomposing organic matter, which can enrich the soil but might also contribute to weed growth if not adequately managed. Through burying plant residue and existing weeds, ploughing integrates them into the soil as biomass, which eventually decomposes.

Effective weed control calls for timely ploughing - before weeds set seeds. Regular ploughing can significantly reduce the weed seed bank in the soil over time and diminish future infestations.