Plowing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plowing

[หˆplaสŠษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

farming

The action of turning over the soil as a preparation for planting crops. Plowing is typically done using a plow, which breaks up the soil and creates furrows. It is an essential step in agriculture to ensure proper aeration and nutrient distribution.

Synonyms

cultivating, digging, tilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plowing

Plowing is often used in agricultural settings. It refers to the process of turning over the soil to prepare it for planting crops.

  • Farmers are plowing the fields to get ready for the spring planting.
  • The tractor was used for plowing the land quickly and efficiently.
tilling

Tilling is a term used exclusively in agriculture, similar to plowing. It involves breaking up and turning the soil to prepare it for planting.

  • The farmer spent the day tilling the fields in preparation for sowing seeds.
  • Tilling the soil helps to aerate it and break down organic matter.
cultivating

Cultivating generally means loosening the soil and removing weeds. This can be used both in agricultural settings and in gardening.

  • After planting, the gardener spent the morning cultivating the soil around the vegetables.
  • Farmers cultivate their land to keep it fertile and productive.
digging

Digging is used in various contexts, from gardening to construction. It involves breaking and moving the soil, often to create holes or trenches.

  • She was digging a hole to plant a new tree in her backyard.
  • Workers are digging to lay the foundation for the new building.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer spent the whole day plowing the field.
  • After plowing the land, the next step is to sow the seeds.
  • Mechanized plowing has greatly increased efficiency in agriculture.
  • Plowing can be hard work, but it is necessary for a successful harvest.
  • Tractors are commonly used for plowing large fields.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, plowing symbolizes hard work and the start of new life, often celebrated in harvest festivals.
  • Traditional plowing methods still hold cultural importance in places like India, where bullocks are used, representing agricultural heritage.
  • Plowing practices vary greatly across cultures, with some communities using modern machinery while others maintain traditional hand tools, emphasizing diverse agricultural techniques.

Science

  • Plowing helps aerate the soil, which improves water absorption and promotes healthier root growth for plants.
  • The practice can also affect soil organisms and nutrient cycling, illustrating the delicate balance between human practices and ecosystem health.
  • No-till farming has emerged as a modern alternative, reducing soil disturbance and promoting sustainability while still facilitating crop growth.

Agricultural Innovations

  • The introduction of the mechanical plow in the 19th century revolutionized farming, allowing for larger fields to be worked more efficiently.
  • GPS technology is now used in precision agriculture, including plowing, to optimize field management and reduce waste.
  • Robotic and automated plows are being developed, potentially changing the face of farming even further by reducing labor and increasing efficiency.

Literature

  • Plowing is often featured in poetry and literature, symbolizing toil, labor, and the connection between humans and nature.
  • Famous works, such as Robert Frost's 'The Plowmen', create vivid imagery of rural life and the rhythms of agricultural labor.
  • Childrenโ€™s stories frequently include themes of plowing as the beginning of growth, teaching the value of hard work and patience.

Origin of 'plowing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'plow' comes from the Old English 'plลga', which has roots in Proto-Germanic and means 'to turn up the earth'.
  • In different languages, plowing is often related to similar agricultural roots. For instance, the Latin word 'pluvia' means rain, highlighting the dependence on weather for farming.
  • The oldest known plows were used in ancient Mesopotamia around 3000 BC, showcasing the essential role of this practice in the development of agriculture.

The word 'plowing' originated from the Old English word 'plลwian', which itself is derived from the Latin word 'plovire'. The practice of plowing has been essential in agriculture for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations where manual plows were used. Over time, plowing techniques have evolved, with the introduction of mechanized plows and tractors revolutionizing the process. Today, plowing remains a fundamental step in farming practices around the world.


See also: plough, plow.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,881, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.