Tull, Jethro (1674-1741)

English agriculturist Jethro Tull invented the mechanized seed drill in about 1701. The sowing of seeds in uniform rows allowed weeding between the rows of seedlings during growth, so improving the yield. Previously seeds had been broadcast by hand across the land.

English agriculturist who in about 1701 developed a drill that enabled seeds to be sown mechanically and spaced so that cultivation between rows was possible in the growth period. His chief work, Horse-Hoeing Husbandry, was published in 1733.

Tull also developed a plough with blades set in such a way that grass and roots were pulled up and left on the surface to dry. Basically the design of a plough is much the same today.

Tull studied at Oxford and qualified as a barrister, but took up farming about 1700.

The seed drill was a revolutionary piece of equipment, designed to incorporate three previously separate actions into one: drilling, sowing, and covering the seeds. The drill consisted of a box capable of delivering the seed in a regulated amount, a hopper mounted above it for holding the seed, and a plough and harrow for cutting the drill (groove in the soil) and turning over the soil to cover the sown seeds.