Conventional tillage is the process by which crop residue is turned over in the soil before new seeds are planted and a new farming season can begin.  By turning over the soil, weeds are buried and killed before they have a chance to grow and thrive, and the soil that is turned to the surface is warmed by the sun and is free of previous crop residue.  Conventional tillage encourages seeds to germinate faster and encourages the breakdown of organic matter into the soil.  Conventional tillage uses a large amount of energy, due to many passes across the field with farm machinery.  However, the process also assures that the seeds are planted in fresh, pure soil that is not covered by crop residue and is high in nutrients.  In contrast, conservation tillage is defined as a method of tillage which leaves at least thirty percent of the crop residue on the surface.  Conservation tillage also requires much more pesticide and herbicide use than conventional tillage.  Conventional tillage should continue to be encouraged because it promotes the creation of organic matter in the soil, warms the soil more quickly than alternative tillage methods, and discourages pests and weeds.