What does tillage primarily aim to improve in soil management?

Tillage primarily aims to improve soil structure and conditions, which is crucial for effective soil management. When soil is tilled, it is mechanically disrupted, which helps to incorporate organic matter, improve aeration, and facilitate root growth. This disruption can lead to a more granular structure, allowing for better water infiltration and drainage, as well as enhancing the soil's capacity to hold nutrients.

By improving soil structure, tillage can also promote a more favorable environment for plant roots, as it reduces compaction and allows for better access to air and moisture. This is vital for crop growth, as healthy root systems directly influence nutrient uptake and overall plant health.

While tillage may influence crop yield indirectly by enhancing soil conditions, its primary intention is to modify the physical properties of the soil. This foundation lays the groundwork for nutrient management and other practices such as fertilizer application, which are secondary factors contributing to crop productivity. Therefore, focusing on how tillage affects soil structure and conditions is essential for understanding its role in soil management.