The word "turning under" is spelled with the IPA symbols /ˈtərnɪŋ/ and /ˈʌndər/. The first syllable "turning" is pronounced with a short "u" sound and the stressed syllable is the second one, "un-der", with a schwa sound. The spelling of this phrase is fairly straightforward, with the exception of the vowel sound in the second syllable. The combination of an "u" and an "e" can be confusing for English learners, but it is pronounced as a schwa sound. "Turning under" refers to the process of burying soil or organic matter beneath the surface of the ground.
Turning under, in the context of gardening or agriculture, refers to the process of incorporating organic matter or cover crops into the soil by turning them over or burying them. This technique is commonly used to improve soil quality, fertility, and structure.
When turning under, the organic matter, such as crop residues or green manures, is typically dug into the soil with a plow, shovel, or tiller. It can be done by cutting the plants at the base and burying them using manual labor or mechanized equipment. The buried materials then decompose over time, releasing their nutrients into the soil, enriching it and making it more conducive for future growth.
The act of turning under has various benefits. Firstly, it helps enhance soil moisture retention by increasing its water-holding capacity and reducing water evaporation. Secondly, it promotes soil aeration by loosening compacted soil, allowing roots to penetrate deeper and enhancing nutrient uptake. Additionally, turning under aids in weed suppression by burying and smothering weed seeds or plants. Furthermore, it improves the soil's organic matter content, supporting the growth of beneficial soil organisms like earthworms that contribute to overall soil health.
Turning under is an important practice in sustainable agriculture as it reduces the reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, improves soil fertility naturally, and helps in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. By incorporating organic matter into the soil, turning under plays a vital role in sustainable farming, providing long-term benefits for both the environment and agricultural productivity.
The phrase "turning under" is not a single word, but a phrase that combines two words: "turning" and "under". Therefore, it does not have a specific etymology. However, we can look at the etymology of each word to gain a better understanding.
1. Turning: The word "turning" derives from the Old English word "tyrnan", which means "to turn, rotate". It can also be traced back to the Middle English word "turnen" and the Old Norse word "turna". All of these sources ultimately find their roots in the Proto-Germanic word "tornijaną". The word has evolved over time to refer to the act of changing direction or position, both physically and metaphorically.
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