For what purpose is the root tip pinched when transplanting cabbage?

The cabbage root, if pinched, begins to grow not inward, but more to the sides. At the same time, it will become thicker, spread over the fertile soil layer. This will allow the plant to absorb more water and mineral salts. Cabbage with such roots will grow more actively, form a head faster. If the root is not pinched, then it will grow deeper – and there are less nutrients and liquids in the deeper layers of the soil.