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Soil that is compacted can cause plants to form shallow roots, and it does not absorb water and nutrients well. Tilling soil loosens the soil and allows for better drainage, and it also removes grass and weeds that are present in the soil. Although tilling soil has many benefits, it also has quite a few negatives, and with the rising popularity of no-till gardening, many have begun to wonder if the benefits of tilling are greater than the negatives.

Tilling soil can be harmful to beneficial insects and microorganisms that are present in the soil. Earthworms live in soil and provide it with aeration, and their waste helps fertilize the soil. Tilling soil can kill earthworms, and it can take a considerable amount of time for the earthworm population to recover after heavy tilling.

Soil erosion is when the top layers of soil are washed or blown away. Soil erosion is a large problem in many areas, and tilling is considered a major cause of soil erosion. Tilling loosens the top layers of soil and allows them to easily be moved by wind or rainfall. When soil erosion occurs, it can lessen the fertility of soil as the top layers of soil generally contain many of the nutrients plants need to grow.