From

Location

Message

Date Posted

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