What is tillage and its purpose in agriculture?

Tillage refers to the agricultural practice of preparing soil by mechanically agitating it, which usually involves turning, mixing, and aerating the soil. The primary purpose of tillage is to create a suitable seedbed for crop planting, as it helps in improving soil structure, reducing compaction, and controlling weeds. By loosening the soil, tillage enhances root growth and water infiltration, which can lead to better crop yields.

Additionally, tillage can incorporate organic matter and crop residues into the soil, promoting nutrient cycling and enhancing soil fertility. It can also help to manage soil pH levels and promote the proliferation of beneficial soil organisms.

In contrast, the other options take different approaches to agricultural practices; they do not pertain to the mechanical process of soil preparation. Chemical treatments, irrigation methods, and harvesting processes serve distinct roles within the agricultural system and are not synonymous with tillage.