4. After initial incorporation of a

4. After initial incorporation of additives, no tillage or compaction- general (structure), moisture, soil biota – Initial tilling to incorporate the previously mentioned approaches to soil building and to breakup hard, compacted ground may be necessary, but after that it should be avoided. Tilling can produce a number of negative effects including soil compaction under the tines, excess breakdown of soil carbon, the destruction of soil life (worms and fungus in particular), and the disruption of the soil structure/profile. Compactions of the soil due to stepping on it can also have a negative impact on soil health. If tilling is needed to create a nice seedbed, make sure you vary the depth of the tilling year after year and never till when the soil is very wet or very dry.