The process of loosening or turning of the soil is called ploughing. Cultivator is an agricultural implement used for ploughing. It saves time and labour. Two beneficial effects of ploughing the fields are: (i) It brings the nutrients to the top of the soil so the plants can use these nutrients. (ii)The loose soil allows plant roots to penetrate freely and deeper into the soil so that plants are held more firmly to the ground.

Tilling is the agricultural practice of preparation of soil by mechanical agitation of various types such as digging, stirring and overturning.

Match the following. Column A Column B i Ploughing a Levelling ii Humus b Chemical fertilizer iii Iron planks c Natural fertilizer iv Urea d Loosening v Bone meal e Rich in nutrients

i - d The process of turning the soil is known as ploughing. It helps in the loosening of the soil for proper air circulation. Roots of the plants also grow deep within the soil after ploughing. ii - e Humus is defined as a substance that increases the level of nutrients present in the soil. The level of humus in the soil can be increased by using manure. iii - a The process in which the big lumps of soil are crashed to level the ground is called levelling. Implements like iron planks are used for this process. iv - b Chemical fertilizers are the substances that are manufactured artificially in the factories. Urea is an example of such fertilizer. It helps to increase the nitrogen content of the soil. v - c Fertilizers made from the wastes of plants and animals are called natural fertilizer. Bone meal is an example of such type of fertilisers rich in phosphorous and proteins. Column A Column B i. Ploughing d. Loosening ii. Humus e. Rich in nutrients iii. Iron planks a. Levelling iv. Urea b. Chemical fertilizer v. Bone meal c. Natural fertilizer