The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Soil preparation is the fundamental step in agriculture before sowing seeds. It involves mechanical manipulation to ensure the soil is physically suitable for root penetration and microbial activity.
Statement 1 is Correct:
The process of loosening and turning the soil is technically known as tilling or ploughing. This loosening allows roots to penetrate deep into the soil and breathe easily, while also facilitating the growth of beneficial earthworms and microbes.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
Tilling is done using tools such as a plough, hoe, or cultivator. A leveller is used after the tilling process. Once the soil is ploughed, it may contain large crumbs (clods); the leveller is employed to break these crumbs and level the field for uniform irrigation and sowing.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
Tilling is a method used to control and remove weeds, not to promote their growth. The turning of soil uproots and buries unwanted plants (weeds), causing them to dry up and mix with the soil as organic matter.
Key Takeaway:
Tilling (ploughing) is the mechanical loosening and turning of soil using a plough or cultivator to improve aeration and remove weeds, whereas leveling is a subsequent step performed with a leveller.