Tilling destroys the soil structure: fungal networks, plant roots, worms & their tunnels that provide aeration, etc. Mostly beneficial to plant growth. But mod

Tilling destroys the soil structure: fungal networks, plant roots, worms & their tunnels that provide aeration, etc. Mostly beneficial to plant growth. But modern day farming doesn't work with nature. Instead prefers to start with 'clean' soil devoid of most of those critters. Including the beneficial ones. Tilling to loosen the soil, vs. letting the worms do it. > Are there any downsides to just tilling it under? Tilling is hard work & machinery to do it may not be available or affordable. No tilling = remains of previous crop in the way. Or it may even regrow (partially?). My guess: burning is simply an easy & quick way to remove those remnants. Not a smart way to farm, though.