"Turned up a sod" is a phrase that means to dig up or overturn a patch of earth or soil. It is often used in the context of farming or gardening, where the act of turning up the soil is necessary for planting or preparing the ground for cultivation.

In the context of the NCERT Solutions for the story "The Ashes that Made Trees Bloom," the phrase is used in the following lines:

"When he turned up a sod, he found that the grass under it had turned a rich shade of green and was covered with new leaves and blossoms."

Here, the protagonist of the story, Ravi, discovers a mysterious substance called "tree ashes" that has the power to revive and rejuvenate dying plants. When he turns up a sod, meaning when he digs up a patch of soil, he finds that the grass underneath has been transformed into a lush and vibrant green with new leaves and flowers.

Explanation of the story:

- Introduction:
"The Ashes that Made Trees Bloom" is a story about a young boy named Ravi who lives in a village. One day, he discovers a unique substance called "tree ashes" that has the power to bring dead plants back to life.

- Discovery of tree ashes:
Ravi comes across a bag of tree ashes while playing near a temple. He takes it home and decides to test its effects on a dying mango tree in his backyard.

- The transformation of the mango tree:
Ravi sprinkles the tree ashes around the roots of the mango tree and waters it. To his astonishment, the tree begins to show signs of life. It starts sprouting new leaves and blossoms, becoming healthy and vibrant again.

- Sharing the discovery:
Excited by his discovery, Ravi shares the news with his family and friends. They are all amazed and want to try the tree ashes on their own plants and crops.

- Positive impact:
Ravi's village is suffering from a drought, and the crops are dying. The tree ashes offer a glimmer of hope for the villagers as they revive their plants and bring back greenery to the barren land.

- The mysterious origins of the tree ashes:
Ravi's grandfather tells him the story of a sage who had blessed the village many years ago. The ashes of his sacred trees were collected and stored in the temple. These ashes have remained potent and still possess the power to bring life to dead plants.

- Conclusion:
The story ends on a positive note, with the village flourishing once again, thanks to the tree ashes. Ravi's discovery brings hope and happiness to his community, showcasing the power of nature and the importance of preserving it.

In summary, "turned up a sod" refers to the act of digging up soil, and it is used in the story "The Ashes that Made Trees Bloom" to describe how Ravi discovers the transformative power of tree ashes when he digs up a patch of earth and finds the grass underneath flourishing with new life.

Means that the ashes made the trees happy