‘垄作’ (lǒng zuò) is an agricultural technique where crops are planted on raised ridges (‘lǒng’) of soil, separated by furrows. The character ‘垄’ refers to a long, narrow ridge or mound of earth, while ‘作’ here functions as a noun suffix meaning ‘practice’ or ‘method’, not the verb ‘to do’. Together, they denote the systematic practice of ridge farming — widely used in China for improving drainage, soil warming, weed control, and root aeration, especially for crops like sweet potatoes, peanuts, and corn.

This method is particularly valuable in regions with heavy rainfall or poorly drained soils, as the ridges prevent waterlogging and facilitate easier harvesting. Historically, it was common in northern and northeastern China, and modern versions often integrate plastic mulch or drip irrigation. Though technical, the term appears in agricultural extension materials, rural policy documents, and environmental science discussions — not in casual daily speech.