Backhoe slots for orchard planting, and analysis of soil compaction and water penetration

Observations made possible by excavating with a tractor-mounted back-hoc in the Stanislaus area of the San Joaquin Valley indicate that perhaps 10% of the vineyards and orchards are located on nonproductive areas of compacted soil. As much as 25% of the alfalfa acreage is productive for only one to two years because of compaction and poor water penetration.