Root types
Crop plants generally produce two types of root systems: bundle and tap root. The first is typical of cereals, the second of dicotyledonous species. The predominance of cereals in crop rotation means that the roots grow through the soil at a shallow depth of 20-30 cm. In situations like permanent grasslands, where old plants die and new ones grow in their place, the soil would ideally become overgrown with roots, achieving good structure but only up to a depth of 30 cm, where the main root mass is located. In agricultural crops, however, a good structure is needed at greater depths, and dicotyledonous plants, such as rapeseed, soybean, sugar beet, sunflower, are suitable here. Their roots can reach depths of 2-3 m, although these thin roots easily tear when trying to find them in an open soil pit. Long-rooted plants play an important role in agriculture, particularly in improving soil quality, reducing erosion, and enhancing water and nutrient uptake. Many of these plants are cultivated for both their economic value and the benefits they provide to the land.

No compaction occurs
Roots are sensitive to soil that is either too loose or too compact. In compact soil, roots change direction upon encountering compaction until they can grow downwards again (geotropism). Roots require compacted soil to grow, but only to the extent that they can still penetrate it. Thus, cultivation should involve both loosening and compaction. There is no need to worry that deep cultivation will cause the rollers in the aggregate to over-compact the soil. However, it must be noted that repeated compaction should occur at the depth of cultivation, which is not entirely feasible with deep methods such as subsoiling. It is important to remember that moist soil is easier to compact than dry soil, so cultivation should not be performed when the soil is too moist.

Roots and structure
Roots penetrating deeper into the soil profile select spaces where water and air are present for growth. Thicker roots choose macropores, which can further expand, and thinner ones, such as mesopores, which contain water available to plants. They also utilize areas inhabited by earthworms. During growth, roots release CO2, which, in contact with water, creates carbonic acid that locally acidifies the soil. This enhances the availability of certain elements, such as iron or manganese. Roots also release sugars into the soil, serving as nutrients for microorganisms that decompose organic matter, accelerating humus formation. Plant roots directly affect soil structure, influencing its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Here is how roots affect the structure of the soil, presented below.

Improving soil porosity and permeability: as roots grow and spread through the soil, they create channels and pores that increase the soil’s permeability to water and air. These channels also facilitate the penetration of water during rainfall, reducing the risk of surface erosion.

Soil stabilization: roots anchor soil particles, reducing wind and water erosion. Plant root networks form a mat that holds the soil together, particularly at the surface.

Supporting soil microorganisms: roots secrete organic compounds such as sugars and amino acids that nourish soil microorganisms. Consequently, roots enhance microbial diversity and activity in the soil, improving soil structure.

Reduce soil compaction: in soils prone to compaction, particularly heavy, clayey soils, roots can serve as "natural cultivators" by penetrating and breaking up compacted soil, thereby allowing air and water to reach deeper layers.

The optimal solution for the roots is to avoid plowing
Roots will be most effective if the site is not ploughed. To maintain their benefits, it is sufficient to mix crop residues with the soil or cultivate them deeper if necessary. To preserve the structure-forming effect of catch crop roots, tools such as the Rolmako ProCut, TurboCut knife roller, or SpeedCutter shallow-acting disc harrow may be used for elimination. Ploughing disrupts the system created by the roots in the soil. However, ploughing may occasionally be necessary, such as when there is excessive crop residue, a need to improve soil pH in deeper layers, or a problem with excessive weed infestation by certain species, e.g., foxtail.

The role of earthworms – natural soil cultivation
Earthworms play a key role in soil ecosystems and have a direct impact on the quality and health of the soil. Here are a few reasons why earthworms are so important in the context of soil cultivation:
Natural soil aeration: earthworms, as they move through the soil, create tunnels that allow for better air circulation. These tunnels also help with water infiltration, which can improve water availability for plants.
Decomposition of organic matter: earthworms are detritivores, which means they feed on dead organic matter. By processing this material, they transform it into a more accessible form of nutrients for plants.
Production of natural fertilizer: earthworm droppings, called coprolites, are rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Earthworm coprolites contain more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than the surrounding soil.
Improving soil structure: earthworm activity forms more stable soil aggregates, increasing soil porosity and water retention.
Stimulating microbial activity: earthworms support the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which are crucial for nutrient cycling.
Erosion prevention: enhancing soil structure and its water retention capacity reduces the risk of water erosion.
Reducing soil compaction: earthworms help alleviate compaction in heavy soils, facilitating nutrient and water access for plant roots.

Thus, promoting earthworm presence and activity benefits farmers and gardeners. Sustainable crops, minimal tillage, and natural fertilizers and compost are some ways to encourage earthworms in the soil.
The role of frost in soil cultivation
Frosty days and nights, though they may seem unfavorable for plants, have many positive effects on the soil that positively impact crops. Here are a few ways in which frost affects the soil and the benefits it brings in the context of agriculture:
Soil breaking:as a result of water freezing in the soil, ice crystals form, which expand and act like small wedges, breaking up heavy and clumped soil. This natural process is called "frost action." As a result, the soil becomes fluffier and more permeable in the spring.
Pest and pathogen control: low temperatures can reduce the numbers of some soil pests and pathogens, preventing plant diseases in the next season.
Decomposition of plant debris: frost can aid in decomposing plant debris left in the field after harvest, accelerating the mineralization process and converting organic material into plant-available nutrients.
Stimulation of soil microorganisms: after a frosty period, spring warming can stimulate the growth and activity of soil microorganisms, improving soil quality and the supply of plant nutrients.
Increasing water infiltration: frost-breaking soil enhances its capacity for water infiltration and retention, thereby improving water availability to plants during dry periods.

Rapid temperature fluctuations between frost and warming can stress plants and reduce their productivity. Although low temperatures and frost are often associated with plant hardships, they play a key role in the natural life cycle and health of soil. Frost can help prepare the soil by improving its structure, stimulating microorganisms, and controlling pests. Farmers appreciate the cold days of winter, understanding their beneficial effects on the soil and crops. Frosty conditions, while providing some benefits for crops, require farmers to be cautious and adaptable. The key to minimizing the negative effects of frost is monitoring weather forecasts and planning crop operations accordingly.

Snow and its benefits for cultivated soil
Snow cover has many benefits for cultivated soil. A few of them are presented below.
Thermal insulation: snow acts as an insulator protecting the ground from extremely low temperatures. This protects plant roots from frost, and soil microorganisms are able to survive in more stable thermal conditions.
Prevention of erosion: the snow cover reduces the impact of direct wind and rain action on the soil surface, which helps in preventing erosion.
Providing water: in the spring, when the snow melts, water is gradually released into the soil providing the moisture needed by plants in the early stages of growth.
Pest and pathogen control: although snow itself does not kill pests, winter conditions can reduce their populations, which is beneficial for plants.
Enhances soil structure: melting snow binds soil particles, improving soil structure, especially in sandy soils.
Mitigates soil water loss: snow reduces water evaporation from the soil surface, retaining moisture longer.
Facilitates seed stratification: snow cover, similar to frost, helps stratify seeds, enhancing their germination potential.

Although snow may be seen as a hindrance to agriculture in certain regions, it delivers numerous benefits to crop soil. It enhances soil health, supplies moisture, safeguards against erosion, and aids in pest control. Effective crop management under snow conditions can significantly improve soil health and crop productivity..

Summary
Soil structure is vital to the health and productivity of agricultural ecosystems. Natural methods of enhancing soil, such as using deep-rooted plants, promoting earthworm activity, adding organic matter, and utilizing frost and snow action, create more porous soil that retains water and nutrients and supports diverse microbial life. Plant roots, particularly deep ones, aerate the soil by creating channels that enhance permeability and improve water access. Earthworms naturally cultivate the soil, recycling organic matter and creating channels that enhance soil structure. Frost, through freezing and thawing processes, can naturally break up and loosen soil, which is particularly beneficial for heavy clay soils. Conservation crops that support natural soil processes are an investment in the long-term health and productivity of our land.

Terminology
Soil pores - the free spaces between soil particles, channels, and cracks.
Macropores - large pores, over 30 micrometers (μm).
Mesopores - medium-sized pores, 0.2 - 30 micrometers (μm).
Micropores - the smallest pores, less than 0.2 micrometers (μm).
μm - a unit of measurement, micrometer, one thousandth of a millimeter.
Soil aggregates - are lumps of various shapes and sizes with differing durability, formed in the soil through the merging of individual mineral grains. They constitute the structure of the soil.
Seed stratification - is the process of preparing seeds for germination by removing dormancy through placement in a moist medium at a low temperature or at a temperature favorable for germination.