Module 3:

3.3 When are they carried out?

3.3.9 Decompaction

Which one of the following statements best describes when a chain-harrow with the tines down might be used most frequently?

End of season renovation or slightly before, which is often from March through to May, and late August to November. The key to getting an effective outcome from the activity is usually when soil conditions are often on the drier side, yet still slightly moist. The soil should not be too dry as this will prevent adequate penetration into a soil and will also often cause unacceptable surface disruption.

Winter decompaction might be considered on drier soils where a beneficial effect can still result from this activity. Attempting to decompact a soil in wet soil, which is common during the winter period, will not create adequate fissuring and will typically contribute to worsening the soil condition, increasing the likelihood of ponding or waterlogging and match cancellations.