There are generally three methods of wheat sowing: row sowing, broadcast sowing, and dibbling.
Dibbling involves one person using a hoe to make holes, followed by another person placing a few wheat seeds into each hole. Although properly executed dibbling can increase yield, this method is labor-intensive; if not done well, the seeds may clump together, resulting in thin and long growth with weak roots, small leaves, and fewer tillers. Eventually, this leads to thin stalks, small spikes, and fewer grains, which naturally affects the yield.
Broadcast sowing involves scattering handfuls of wheat seeds across the field by hand, then raking and covering them. Although this method saves labor, it can lead to uneven distribution and coverage, leaving many seeds exposed to the elements. These exposed seeds may fail to germinate due to insufficient moisture, leading to gaps in the crop. Cold spells can also easily damage the internodes. In overly dense areas, seedlings can crowd each other, affecting ventilation and light penetration. This situation also prevents weeding and hoeing, increasing the likelihood of disease, which naturally impacts the yield.
A better method is row sowing, which can be done using modern row sowing machines and improved agricultural tools like the “paozi”. This method allows for uniform sowing; the seeds are laid evenly in moist soil and covered with a layer of mud, ensuring adequate moisture for sprouting and protection from freezing for the internodes. This ensures uniform emergence of seedlings. The seedlings in row sowing are in neat rows, facilitating hoeing and weeding.
Especially important, row sowing allows for reasonable dense planting with specific row and plant spacing. Not only does this ensure even absorption of moisture and nutrients, but it also allows for adequate ventilation and light penetration. Sunlight can reach the roots, enabling the wheat stalks to grow thick and strong, making them less likely to lodge or succumb to disease. Weak wheat primarily results from inadequate nutrients, water, or poor ventilation and light conditions. Thus, row sowing enables wheat to develop large spikes and grains, enhancing yield and outperforming broadcast and dibbling methods.