A plough is a tool or farm implement used in farming for initial cultivation of soil in preparation for sowing seed or planting to loosen or turn the soil. Ploughs were traditionally drawn by working animals such as oxen and horses, but in modern times are mostly drawn by tractors. The process of loosening the soil for cultivation is called ploughing. The primary purpose of ploughing is to turn over the upper layer of the soil, bringing fresh nutrients to the surface, while burying weeds and the remains of previous crops and allowing them to break down. The advantages of ploughing are:
Loosening of soil can improve air circulation.
The roots can penetrate deeper into the soil, thus holding the plant firmly.
Ploughing enhances the water retention capacity of the soil.
Ploughing uproots the weeds growing in the field and aids in the growth of microbes.