Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - cultivation

~ n 1 the preparation and use of land for growing crops  (different methods of soil cultivation | under cultivation (=used for growing crops and plants))  (These fields have been under cultivation for years.) 2 the planting and growing of plants and crops  (Terraces for rice cultivation covered the hillsides.) + of  (the successful cultivation of tobacco) 3 the deliberate development of a particular quality or skill