Weeding - It is the removal of weeds from the field. It is essential as weeds are harmful for the growth of crops because they compete with the crop plants for water, nutrients, space and light.

Sowing - The process in which the seeds are embedded in the soil for crop production is called sowing. Traditionally, funnel-like tools are used for sowing. But now-a-days, seeds are sown by a seed drill implement. It scatters the seeds at regular intervals in the soil

Preparation of soil - It is the first step before sowing the crop. In this, the soil is ploughed to loosen it and make it aerated which allows the roots to breathe easily. This also helps earthworms and microbes in the soil that bring the nutrient rich soil to the top. The process of loosening and turning of soil is called tilling or ploughing, which is followed by levelling and manuring.

Weeding is necessary since weeds compete with the crop plants for water, nutrients, space and light. They affect growth of the crop. Some weeds may be poisonous for animals and human beings.

Farmers can increase the fertility of the soil by :
(i) adding manure and fertilizers.
(ii) crop rotation.
(iii) leaving the field uncultivated in between two crops.

Sowing is done before harvesting.

Traditional methods use manpower and animal power, and there is a wastage of water also during irrigation. To overcome these problems modern methods of irrigation are used.

The rabi crops are known as winter crops because they are grown in winter season, e.g. wheat, gram, etc.

The supply of water to crops at different intervals is called irrigation. Latest irrigation method help us to use water economically. The main methods used are as follows:
(i) Sprinkler system: This system is more useful on the uneven lands where water is available in smaller quantity. The perpendicular pipes, having rotating nozzles on the top, are joined to the main pipe lines at regular intervals. When the water is allowed to flow through the main pipe with the help of a pump, it escapes from the rotating nozzles. It is sprinkled on the crop as if it is raining. Sprinkler is very useful for the sandy soil.
(ii) Drip system: In this system, the water falls drop by drop just at the position of the roots. So it is called drip system. It is the best technique of watering fruit plants, gardens and trees. This system consists of a main pipe to which lateral pipes are joined. The specially prepared nozzles are attached to these lateral pipes. The nozzles are grounded just near the roots of the plants. It provides water to plants drop by drop. Water is not wasted at all. So, it is a boon in regions where availability of water is poor

The ability of soil to supply all the essential plant nutrients to a crop in adequate quantity is called soil fertility. Repeated growing of crops in the same soil removes various nutrient elements from the soil due to which the soil loses its fertility.
The soil fertility can be replenished or regained by the following methods:
(i) By keeping the field fallow (uncultivated) for one or two seasons.
(ii) By putting manures and fertilisers in the soil.
(iii) By practising crop rotation .
(iv) By practising multiple cropping (mixed cropping).