Soil Preparation

Soil Amendments

We do soil tests and recommend a nutrient plan based on the test results. We apply amendments – compost, fertilizer, lime, gypsum – to condition the soil for improved seed and plant growth. Soil structure can also be amended to aid in compaction for roads and pads.

Aerating with Aerway

Perforates the soil to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate roots. This promotes deeper root growth resulting in stronger plants.

The main reason for aerating is to relieve soil compaction. Compacted soils have too many solid particles that prevent circulation. Thatch and heavy organic debris can also starve roots of water and oxygen.

Tilling

Breaks up the soil 6 to 8 inches below the surface. It is needed for:

• Heavily compacted soil
• Mixing amendments into the soil
• Soils that need to be broken into finer bits for planting seeds
• Removing weeds & roots

Forestry tilling is heavy duty tilling, mixing in roots and stumps.

Subsoiling

Breaks up the soil layers below normal tilling depths, 8 to 30 inches. This improves water drainage and root penetration. The biggest advantage is that subsoiling breaks up compacted layers and loosens the soil without inverting it. The surface is relatively undisturbed.

Plowing – Chisel & Moldboard

Turns the ground over to bring nutrients from below level to the top of the soil. It buries weed seeds and remains of previous crops, allowing them to break down. Plowing improves the structure of the soil and breaks up compaction.

Windrowing

Levels the ground and separates rocks and debris from the soil for grinding or removal.