What is the term for the process of cultivating soil to prepare it for planting?

The term that describes the process of cultivating soil to prepare it for planting is tilling. Tilling involves turning over and breaking up the soil to improve aeration, enhance water penetration, and facilitate the mixing of organic matter and nutrients. This process helps create an optimal seedbed for planting by loosening the soil and making it easier for roots to establish themselves.

Fertilizing, while essential for providing nutrients to the plants, does not involve soil preparation but rather supplements the soil after it has been tilled. Weeding is the act of removing undesirable plants that compete with cultivated crops, and planting is the act of placing seeds or young plants into the prepared soil. Therefore, tilling is specifically focused on preparing the soil, which is why it is the correct answer in this context.