Tilling
Explanation
Preparation of the soil is the fundamental step in agriculture before cultivating a crop. It involves mechanical manipulation to ensure the soil structure is suitable for root penetration, aeration, and water retention.
Analysis of Options:
- Sowing: Incorrect. Sowing is the process of placing seeds into the soil after it has been prepared. It does not involve the mechanical turning of the soil.
- Tilling: Correct. Tilling (also known as ploughing) is the process of loosening and turning the soil. This allows roots to penetrate deep into the ground, improves soil aeration, and helps in bringing nutrient-rich soil to the top.
- Levelling: Incorrect. Levelling is performed after tilling. It involves crushing large lumps of soil (crumbs) and smoothing the surface to prevent soil erosion and ensure uniform irrigation.
- Threshing: Incorrect. Threshing is a post-harvest process used to separate the grain from the harvested stalks or chaff.
Key Takeaway:
Tilling or ploughing is the specific agricultural term for the process of loosening and turning the soil to prepare it for sowing.