Sifting is a process used to separate desired materials from unwanted ones by passing them through a mesh or screen. This technique is commonly applied in various fields, such as cooking, where flour is sifted to remove lumps and aerate it, or in construction, where sand is sifted to eliminate larger debris. In scientific contexts, sifting can refer to the separation of particles based on size, such as in the study of soil composition. The process helps researchers analyze the distribution of different soil types and their properties, contributing to fields like agriculture and environmental science.