Chapter 7: Problem 39
What is the use of the long pole in a wooden plough?
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The long pole in a wooden plough serves several important functions, including connecting the elements of the plough (ploughshare and ploughhead) to the source of force, allowing for control and maneuverability, and providing stability during the ploughing process.
Step by step solution
01
Purpose of a wooden plough
A wooden plough is a simple, traditional farming tool used to turn over the soil and prepare it for planting. It typically consists of a broad flat blade, called a ploughshare, a ploughhead, and a long wooden pole. The ploughshare slices through the soil, while the ploughhead helps to lift and turn it. The long pole connects these parts to the animal (or human) that is pulling the plough.
02
Understanding the long pole
The long pole, also known as the "beam" or the “plough handle,” is a critical part of the wooden plough's construction. It is a sturdy, elongated wooden piece that connects the ploughshare and ploughhead to the source of force for moving the plough, such as a draft animal or a human. Its length helps the person operating the plough to control the tool from a distance, making it easier to walk behind the plough without the need for close physical contact with the soil being turned.
03
The role of the long pole in the wooden plough
The long pole in a wooden plough serves several important functions during the ploughing process:
1. Connects the elements of the plough: The long pole links the ploughshare and ploughhead to the draft animal or person pulling the plough. This connection allows for the transfer of force required to move the plough through the soil.
2. Allows for control and maneuverability: The length of the long pole provides the person operating the plough with control over the depth and direction of the plough. By adjusting the angle of the long pole, the operator can control how deep the ploughshare digs into the soil, as well as steering its path as it moves through the field.
3. Provides stability: The long pole helps to maintain the stability of the plough as it moves through the soil. It serves as a counterbalance to the force exerted by the draft animal (or human), ensuring that the plough remains upright and in the desired position during the ploughing process.
In summary, the long pole of a wooden plough plays a crucial role in the tool's structure and overall function. It connects the various elements of the plough, allows for control and maneuverability during the ploughing process, and helps to maintain stability while in use.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Traditional Farming Tools
Understanding the importance of traditional farming tools is essential for appreciating the development of agriculture over the centuries. One such tool is the wooden plough, notable for its simple design yet profound impact on farming.
The wooden plough, in essence, is made up of three primary components: a ploughshare, a ploughhead, and a beam or long pole. Resilient and often handcrafted, these tools are historic testament to human innovation. The ploughshare slices into the earth while the ploughhead lifts and turns the soil, facilitated by the long pole that allows for control from behind. This implement made the cultivation of land more efficient and less labor-intensive compared to methods such as digging with handheld tools.
Despite the advent of modern machinery, traditional implements like the wooden plough remain in use in some parts of the world. They represent not just a historical curiosity but a practical, low-cost option for small-scale farmers.
The wooden plough, in essence, is made up of three primary components: a ploughshare, a ploughhead, and a beam or long pole. Resilient and often handcrafted, these tools are historic testament to human innovation. The ploughshare slices into the earth while the ploughhead lifts and turns the soil, facilitated by the long pole that allows for control from behind. This implement made the cultivation of land more efficient and less labor-intensive compared to methods such as digging with handheld tools.
Despite the advent of modern machinery, traditional implements like the wooden plough remain in use in some parts of the world. They represent not just a historical curiosity but a practical, low-cost option for small-scale farmers.
Soil Preparation
The process of soil preparation is a cornerstone of cultivation, setting the stage for a successful growing season. Preparing the soil properly ensures that it has the necessary structure and nutrients to support plant life.
Soil preparation typically involves ploughing, which aerates the soil, helps control weeds, and mixes organic matter into the soil. Using a traditional wooden plough, the farmer turns over the upper layer of the soil, bringing fresh nutrients to the surface and burying weeds and previous crop residues. This action also creates furrows, which are essential for planting seeds at the correct depth.
Correct use of a plough, particularly controlling the depth and angle via the long pole or beam as described in the textbook solution, is crucial to effective soil preparation. Not too shallow nor too deep, the right ploughing depth ensures optimal soil conditions for seed germination and root development.
Soil preparation typically involves ploughing, which aerates the soil, helps control weeds, and mixes organic matter into the soil. Using a traditional wooden plough, the farmer turns over the upper layer of the soil, bringing fresh nutrients to the surface and burying weeds and previous crop residues. This action also creates furrows, which are essential for planting seeds at the correct depth.
Correct use of a plough, particularly controlling the depth and angle via the long pole or beam as described in the textbook solution, is crucial to effective soil preparation. Not too shallow nor too deep, the right ploughing depth ensures optimal soil conditions for seed germination and root development.
Agricultural Practices
Comprehensive agricultural practices encompass a variety of techniques aiming to maximize the efficiency and yield of crop production. Among these practices, the role of traditional tools like the wooden plough cannot be overstated.
The process of ploughing with a traditional tool requires not just physical effort but also an understanding of the land and crops. It's part of a broader system of practices including crop rotation, planting, and harvesting, all framed by seasonal variations and environmental considerations.
Historically, these practices have been passed down through generations, refined to suit local conditions and needs. The wooden plough, operated via a long pole for precision and stability as per the textbook solution, showcases an interaction between tool design and agricultural technique.
In summary, the wooden plough, soil preparation, and broader agricultural practices form an interconnected framework that has fed civilizations throughout history. Despite advances in technology, these traditional elements continue to influence farming significantly, reminding us of the persistent relationship between humans, their tools, and the land.
The process of ploughing with a traditional tool requires not just physical effort but also an understanding of the land and crops. It's part of a broader system of practices including crop rotation, planting, and harvesting, all framed by seasonal variations and environmental considerations.
Historically, these practices have been passed down through generations, refined to suit local conditions and needs. The wooden plough, operated via a long pole for precision and stability as per the textbook solution, showcases an interaction between tool design and agricultural technique.
In summary, the wooden plough, soil preparation, and broader agricultural practices form an interconnected framework that has fed civilizations throughout history. Despite advances in technology, these traditional elements continue to influence farming significantly, reminding us of the persistent relationship between humans, their tools, and the land.