USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The steel plow of 1837, developed by John Deere, was an invention that contributed greatly to the agricultural world. It allowed farmers to cultivate crops more efficiently because the smooth texture of the steel blade would not allow the soil of the Great Plains to stick as the cast iron plow did.

Detailed explanation-2: -By the 1860s, Plains farmers were using steel plows, threshing machines, seed drills, and reapers. These new machines made dry farming possible.

Detailed explanation-3: -The steel plow was used to break up tough soil, bury crop residue, and help control weeds. Due to the rich soil in the Midwest of the United States, wood plows would commonly break.

Detailed explanation-4: -Dating back to 4, 000 B.C., the first plows were basically pointed sticks that were pulled through the soil. Very few improvements were made to the plow over the centuries, but in 1837 the polished steel plow became a turning point for farming.