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Tillage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tillage

[ˈtɪlɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

agricultural practice

Tillage refers to the preparation of soil for growing crops by plowing, harrowing, and cultivating. It is an essential part of agriculture to create a suitable environment for planting.

Synonyms

cultivation, farming, plowing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tillage

Tillage is often used in a technical or scientific context when discussing methods of soil preparation for planting. It implies the mechanical manipulation of soil.

  • The new tillage methods helped improve crop yields
  • Farmers are adopting no-till farming to preserve soil health
farming

Farming is a broad term that encompasses all activities related to the growing of crops and raising of animals for food, fiber, and other products. It is suitable for everyday conversations and general references to agricultural practices.

  • Farming is hard work but very rewarding
  • They have been farming this land for generations
cultivation

Cultivation refers broadly to the process of preparing and using land for crops or gardening. It can also include the care and maintenance of plants, making it suitable for general agriculture and gardening discussions.

  • Cultivation of this land requires careful planning
  • She is known for her successful cultivation of rare plants
plowing

Plowing is a specific agricultural activity that involves turning over the soil in preparation for planting. It is often used when discussing the traditional methods of soil preparation.

  • Plowing the fields is an essential part of preparing for the planting season
  • The tractor made plowing much easier

Examples of usage

  • Tillage helps to break up compacted soil.
  • Modern tillage practices aim to minimize soil disturbance.
Context #2 | Noun

land management

In land management, tillage is the manipulation of soil to improve its quality and productivity. It involves various techniques such as conservation tillage and no-till farming.

Synonyms

agricultural land improvement, soil management.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tillage

Used primarily in the context of farming to describe the preparation of land for growing crops by plowing, harrowing, and other mechanical means.

  • The farmer engaged in tillage to prepare the soil for planting the next crop.
  • Tillage helps to aerate the soil and control weeds.
soil management

Refers to the general practices involved in maintaining soil health and fertility, including crop rotation, composting, and soil testing.

  • Effective soil management is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
  • The guide offers tips on soil management techniques to prevent erosion and nutrient depletion.
agricultural land improvement

Broad term used to describe various methods of enhancing the quality and productivity of farmland, including drainage, irrigation, and terracing.

  • The project focused on agricultural land improvement to increase crop yields.
  • Agricultural land improvement can make previously unproductive land viable for farming.

Examples of usage

  • Conservation tillage helps to reduce erosion.
  • No-till farming preserves soil structure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Agricultural History

  • The practice of tillage dates back thousands of years, with early farmers using handmade tools to cultivate soil.
  • Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Mesopotamians developed advanced tillage methods to improve crop yields.
  • With the invention of the plow around 3000 BC, tillage became more efficient, allowing larger areas of land to be farmed.

Soil Science

  • Tillage helps aerate the soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach plant roots effectively.
  • By turning the soil, tillage can also help control weeds, making it easier for crops to grow without competition.
  • Excessive tillage, however, can lead to soil erosion, which depletes nutrients and harms the environment.

Modern Agriculture

  • Today, many farmers use no-till or reduced-till practices to protect soil health and improve water retention.
  • Technological advances like GPS-guided equipment have revolutionized tillage, increasing precision and reducing waste.
  • Sustainable farming practices emphasize the importance of maintaining soil structure through responsible tillage methods.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, tillage is often seen as a ritual of renewal, marking the start of the planting season and celebrations associated with harvest.
  • Literature and art frequently depict farmers engaged in tillage, symbolizing hard work and connection to the land.

Environmental Impact

  • Tillage can release stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change, which has led to debates over farming practices.
  • By affecting soil composition and biodiversity, tillage plays a critical role in ecosystem health, influencing local wildlife.

Origin of 'tillage'

The word 'tillage' originated from the Middle English term 'tillage', which in turn came from the Old English word 'tyllian' meaning 'to tend or cultivate'. The concept of tillage has been essential in agriculture for centuries, evolving with technological advancements to improve crop production.

See also: till, tilled, tiller, tillers, tilling, until.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,638, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.