Intertillage refers to topsoil cultivation between plants with tools such as hoes, plows, harrows and various cultivators during crop growth. Intertillage can loosen topsoil, increase soil aeration, raise ground temperature, promote aerobic microbial activity and nutrient availability, eliminate weeds, promote root extension and adjust soil moisture status. The time and frequency of intertillage vary with crop species, seedling conditions, weeds and soil conditions. In the growing period of crops, the depth of intertillage should be shallow-deep-shallow, that is, the seedling stage of crops should be shallow to avoid damaging roots; It should be deepened in the middle growth period to promote root development; In the late growth stage, the crops before sealing should be shallow, mainly broken and hardened.

There is no absolute concept between shallow tillage and deep tillage. Generally speaking, the intertillage depth is 10-20cm, the shallow intertillage depth is below 10cm, and the deep intertillage depth is above 20cm.