Primary tillage lays the foundation in agronomic terms for the subsequent crop, which is why it has a decisive influence on the growth of the plants. To develop properly, these require an optimum supply of water and nutrients.

During this process, the plough loosens the soil over the full depth of the tilth and eliminates any compaction in the topsoil. As the soil passes the mouldboard, the furrow ridge breaks along its natural structure. Depending on the texture of the soil and its condition, the plough is set up to create a tilth that encourages downward root penetration and growth.

In loosened soils, the size distribution and volume of the pores also change. The higher proportion of large pores leads to faster warming of the soil due to the larger air content, and water can infiltrate faster.