Teeth or so called goose feet loosen the earth and the root network 5-30 centimetres in the depth. The roots itself are not broken up.

Rotating spring teeth catch the roots and throw them slantingly backwards/upwards, thus separating the earth from the roots.

Due to gravity the heaviest elements will hit the ground first (mould and stones). The roots will lie topmost.
The wind will dry up the organic parts and the ultrared beams of the sun or frost will destroy the roots.
The dead root remnants may be ploughed in and will then improve the earth quality.