Introduction:
The process of loosening and turning the soil is called ploughing. It is an important agricultural practice that helps prepare the soil for planting crops. Ploughing involves breaking up the soil, turning it over, and creating furrows for planting seeds.

Explanation:
Ploughing is an essential step in the cultivation of crops as it helps improve soil structure and fertility. It provides several benefits to the soil and the crops grown on it. Let's discuss these benefits in detail:

1. Loosening the soil:
Ploughing helps in loosening the compacted soil, which is necessary for the growth of plant roots. This process allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil more easily, promoting healthy root development.

2. Weed control:
Ploughing helps control weeds by uprooting and burying them deep into the soil. This prevents weed growth and competition with the cultivated crops. Turning the soil also exposes weed seeds to sunlight, which can inhibit their germination.

3. Enhancing soil aeration:
By breaking up the soil, ploughing improves soil aeration. This allows oxygen to reach the root zone, facilitating the respiration process of the plants. Adequate oxygen availability promotes healthy root growth and overall plant development.

4. Mixing organic matter:
During ploughing, organic matter such as crop residues or manure can be incorporated into the soil. This improves the soil's nutrient content, organic matter content, and overall fertility. Organic matter acts as a source of nutrients for the plants and also enhances the soil's water-holding capacity.

5. Pest and disease management:
Ploughing can help manage pests and diseases by burying crop residues and pathogens deep into the soil. This reduces the survival and spread of pests and diseases, minimizing their impact on subsequent crops.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, ploughing is the process of loosening and turning the soil, which is crucial for successful crop cultivation. It improves soil structure, enhances nutrient availability, controls weeds, and manages pests and diseases. Ploughing is an integral part of sustainable agricultural practices and plays a vital role in ensuring high crop yields.