A piece of farm machinery that automates the planting of seeds. It ranges from small push-behind garden units to massive tractor-pulled pneumatic drills that open a furrow, drop the seed at precise intervals, and cover it back up in one pass. This ensures uniform crop emergence and optimal plant density.
Hook up the seeder to the tractor so we can get the winter wheat in before the rain hits.
While often used interchangeably with planter, a planter typically handles larger seeds like corn in distinct rows, while a seeder or drill handles smaller grains in narrower rows.
Also heard as
- seed drill
- planter
Related terms
Tractor
A heavy-duty agricultural vehicle designed to deliver high tractive effort at slow speeds for hauling and powering implements.
Seeding plough
A tillage implement equipped with a hopper that drops seed into the furrow as it cuts.
Broadcaster
An implement that flings seed or dry fertilizer evenly across the soil surface.