Define "cut and fill" in earthworks.

The term "cut and fill" in earthworks refers specifically to the process of removing earth from one location (the cut) and using that material to fill in another location (the fill). This method is commonly used in construction and civil engineering to create level surfaces, adjust landscapes, or prepare sites for building.

The importance of cut and fill lies in its efficiency in using the excavated material on-site, which can save costs and time compared to transporting soil away from or bringing in new material to a project. By balancing the amount of soil removed and added, it helps maintain the site's overall grade and reduces the need for additional resources.

In contrast, other options like planting trees, adding ornamental features, or creating drainage systems do not relate to the core definition of cut and fill, which focuses primarily on the manipulation of earth material for site grading and preparation.