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Deering, NH

I have always deep tilled (10 inches) and the trend seems to be shallow tilling (2-3 inches) to minimize impact on the hyphae. Wouldn't broad forking impact the hyphae too? I do not see in the literature a discussion on broadforking and its potential impact on hyphae.
Welcome your thoughts.

Deering, NH

3/29/2026 6:27:53 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Following this and replying so people will see. I had no idea there was a trend for shallow till.

3/29/2026 1:55:31 PM

Portland, CT

I think the idea is that broadforking breaks the soil down into larger pieces than tilling which allows the fungal networks to recover faster than if they were obliterated by deep tilling.

3/29/2026 4:31:34 PM

East Sussex, UK

Jesse Frost addresses this in a recent episode of his podcast (No-Till Growers). He says yes, broad forking will break up the fungal networks to some extent, but if you are rectifying a compaction issue, it may well have a net benefit. I still broad fork except in those areas of my patch where the soil is so good that I don't need to anymore.

3/30/2026 6:04:49 AM

Deering, NH

If deep rototilling is considered deleterious to the hyphae, I would guess subsoiling would be less destructive. Thought process would somewhat follow Nick's Big Pumpkin thinking. Then shallow till to 3 inches and broadfork ahead of the vine growth.

3/31/2026 2:05:21 PM

Western NY

I can't remember where I saw it, but I believe there was research that suggested that you can get away with tillage if there is only a minor amount of time between the tilling and when it is populated again by roots.

The key for us would be to have cover crops that were tilled as the plant grew out.

3/31/2026 2:30:09 PM

Grittyville, WA

I think these kinds of questions need to be tested side by side. And the results posted so that we can have more anecdotal evidence. The results of actual testing will either be surprising, or they will confirm that we can continue with our existing assunptions.

[Last edit: 03/31/26 6:54:29 PM]

3/31/2026 6:51:40 PM