solarizing

Solarizing is exposing something to sunlight, typically for a specific effect.

In photography, solarizing a print or negative involves brief light exposure during development, creating a partial reversal of tones—dark areas lighten, light areas darken—producing a distinctive, often surreal look.

In gardening, solarizing soil means covering it with clear plastic to trap heat and kill weeds, pests, and pathogens: We spent the summer solarizing the garden beds before planting.