Soil tillage is to create favourable growing conditions for the plant and it is practised for many reasons which include:
1. The establishment of a seedbed for sprouting and root development – Good aeration and contact between seed tuber and soil must be accomplished.
2. Favourable subsoil must be created for good root distribution and plant rests (organic matter) must be well incorporated.
3. Weed control – accomplished by shallow tillage.
4. Soil and water preservation, upper soil layers should be kept loose to facilitate water penetration and limit wind and water erosion.
5. Incorporation and mixing of soil amendments, for example, fertiliser and lime as well as the breakup of impermeable soil.