1.3.1.b Tilling and outlining the new plot

Decompacting, subsoiling, and earthwork

Subsoiling or decompacting is often necessary to break up the soil. Subsoiling is better suited for deep soil cultivation whereas decompaction is more appropriate for first horizon soil cultivation. Soil loosening operations must be carried out in a precise direction, taking into account the topography of the plot and the draining direction. Indeed, the galleries created by the tines of the subsoiler allow the water to circulate and digging them at an oblique angle allows the water to flow to the drains. These operations must also be carried out with the characteristics of the soil and the climate (on dry soil) in mind. When the soil is to be worked superficially, on the first few centimetres, claws are a possible solution (see soil working section).
Levelling may also be necessary to level the entire plot. This can be done with a bulldozer, especially after the drains have been placed.

Demarcation

The demarcation is the act of delimiting the exact contours of the plot and the area where it is possible to plant. This is an crutial step, which must be carried out if not previously put in place, especially if the plot has just been bought or created. The demarcation must be done by a surveyor for it to be valid.

Pre-planting studies

Research carried out on the soil and subsoil is crucial to make the right choice of plant material, the aim being to select plants best suited the soil type. Indeed you need to know the nature of the various horizons to determine if the soil is cold or not, to see how it behaves with regards to the water supply, if there is presence of active limestone... We can also use this knowledge to identify hardpan layers as well as any possible drainage requirements.

Sometimes, on historical plots, the soil and its different horizons are already well known, but various soil pits have been dug around the plots for pedological studies. An additional study of this type can confirm the demarcation of the soil within the plot to better understand the center/core of the plot.