Final answer:
The plow was important for the Sumerian civilization because it significantly improved the efficiency of land preparation for farming, leading to greater food production and the development of settled communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The plow was an important invention for the Sumerian civilization because it made it easier for farmers to prepare land for farming. The development of the plow was a significant technological advance which allowed for greater yields and facilitated the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled farming communities. The Sumerians harnessed animals to pull this new tool, which made the cultivation of crops much more efficient. As a result, one family could produce a surplus of food, contributing to the growth of cities and the specialization of labor.
While innovations in writing, such as cuneiform, were crucial for recording information and transactions, and the development of irrigation techniques were important for controlling water for crops, it was the plow that directly impacted agricultural productivity. Moreover, the invention of the metal plow around 5000 BCE allowed for the cultivation of land that was previously too rocky or hard.
The adoption of agricultural practices like crop rotation and allowing fields to lie fallow further improved soil fertility and yield, but these were not possible without the initial technological leap provided by the plow. Therefore, while other inventions had their significance in the Sumerian culture, it is the plow that stands out as the key agricultural tool.