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BFM Inter-row Machines for Truffle Cultivation

Proper soil management in truffle grounds is essential to promote the formation, growth and maturation of truffles. The truffle zone is a critical area: regular mechanical hoeing directly influences soil structure, mycelium development and the production of fruiting bodies, both in the surface and deeper layers.

BFM Italy’s inter-row agricultural machines offer tailor-made solutions for truffle ground cultivation, developed in collaboration with Aratruf and specialist truffle growers. These machines allow hoeing operations at a constant depth with millimetre precision, respecting the roots of mycorrhizal plants and protecting production.

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Mechanical hoeing in truffle orchards: everything you need to know

The rational cultivation of black truffles (Tuber melanosporum and Tuber aestivum) requires, from the first year in the field, regular soil hoeing to control spontaneous vegetation, keep the surface layer loose, limit evaporation and reduce soil temperature.

Truffle cultivation involves two distinct periods. During the first period – from planting to the appearance of the truffle zone – multiple hoeing operations are needed to promote the growth of mycorrhizal plants and aerate the soil, encouraging the development and spread of mycelium in the root system.

During the second period – from the appearance of the truffle zone through the entire productive period – hoeing must be carried out once a year at the start of the growing season: late March-April for black truffle, September for summer truffle. Hoeing must always be performed at the same depth and the same distance from the mycorrhizal plants.

Constant depth forces the roots to develop below the hoed layer, where they find a cooler, more humid and better protected environment. Most fruiting bodies develop precisely between the hoed layer and the one below, ripening in more favourable conditions than those that develop on the surface.

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Truffle zone or entire ground

There are two schools of thought: hoeing the truffle zone only, leaving the surrounding grass, or hoeing the entire truffle ground. Hoeing only the truffle zone is considered more beneficial, as the surrounding vegetation releases compounds that favour truffle growth.

Truffle growers use various machines: rotary tillers, rotary harrows, spaders, grubbers, excavators. However, not all of them guarantee constant depth and respect for the truffle zone.

Working depth is always very limited: 10-12 cm for summer truffle grounds, 13-15 cm for black truffle. Maintaining the same depth at every operation forces roots to develop in the layer below — cooler, more humid and better protected.

For truffle grounds larger than 3-4 hectares or on steep slopes, investing in a dedicated inter-row machine is highly recommended. For smaller surfaces, a more affordable version with fixed tines is available.

The AT is particularly suited to sandy and gravelly soils. Where large stones are present, preliminary stone removal is recommended. The automatic tine release system protects both the machine and the truffle ground in case of hidden stones or roots. The machine also performs excellently on steep slopes thanks to the straddle device.

Agricultural machinery, inter-row BFM, solutions for the processing of the truffle orchards

Thanks to a bespoke design service, each machine can be tailored to the specific needs of the truffle orchards, considering the soil type and the width of the rows.

Catalog machinery for truffle orchards

AT – Mechanical Cultivator with Pivoting Tines

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SKU: AT
The AT inter-row truffle harrow was developed through a collaboration between BFM Italy, Aratruf and specialist truffle growers. The machine delivers safe and precise inter-row furrowing, ensuring thorough soil break-up across all soil types and progressively rendering it loose and porous - thanks to the newly designed notched tine (patented technology). This process generates significant physical, chemical and biological benefits, creating the optimal environment for truffle development. The AT is also particularly suitable for vineyards and orchards, even in the presence of stony soils.
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    FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

    Which BFM machine is recommended for truffle grounds?

    The AT inter-row cultivator, developed in collaboration with Aratruf, is the ideal machine for hoeing truffle grounds. Thanks to its patented pivoting tines and depth regulators, it guarantees precise and consistent tillage on every soil type, including stony terrain.

    Are BFM machines suitable for sloping terrain?

    Yes. BFM inter-row machines are designed to operate even on very steep terrain, with a straddle device that allows hoeing of the truffle zone only, regardless of the slope.

    Are BFM truffle ground machines suitable for stony soils?

    The AT is particularly suited to sandy and gravelly soils. In case of hidden stones or roots, the automatic tine release system limits damage to both the truffle ground and the machine. Preliminary stone removal is recommended where large stones are present.

    What surface justifies investing in a dedicated inter-row machine for truffle grounds?

    For truffle grounds larger than 3-4 hectares or on steep slopes, a dedicated inter-row machine is highly recommended. For smaller surfaces, a more affordable version with fixed tines is available.