Summary

In order to achieve high seedling survival rate and the proper growth and development of seedlings, we have to choose an appropriate manner and time of soil preparation for afforestation. The aim of preparing the soil of formerly arable lands is to improve water relations and soil ventilation, to eliminate the layers of compact soil (so called plough pan), and to limit the development of weeds in the first period after planting the seedlings.

Before starting afforestation activities the presence of root pests in the soil should be examined, and in case there is an excessive amount of them, you should perform reduction procedures, or you might decide not to carry out the afforestation work. The most commonly used methods are agrotechnical procedures with the use of agricultural equipment or the use of plant protection products when it is necessary.

On lowlands the most suitable season for soil preparation is autumn in the year preceding afforestation works. Most often the soil is prepared by means of full ploughing with the use of agricultural plough and soil scarification using a subsoiler or furrow ploughing with the use of a forest plough and soil scarification. In spring the surfaces prepared in autumn by full ploughing are harrowed in order to retain moisture in the soil, and then to mark out the planting rows. Soils where a plough pan was found should be subjected to deep ploughing (40-60 cm). Deep ploughing is also strongly recommended in case of degraded and weedy soils.

Afforestation on steep slopes and in the mountains (500-1000 m AMSL) is carried out in a different way. It is possible to use forest ploughs on less inclined areas with deeper soils, while furrows should be ploughed precisely along the contour line to prevent water run-off. Shallow soils on steep and rocky slopes are prepared manually using hoes or pickaxes to make the holes for tree planting. The holes must be levelled, and the ground in the places for tree planting must be scarified. Soil preparation on steep slopes is carried out in spring, just before planting, in order to prevent erosion. Soil on gentle slopes may be prepared in autumn, and should be scarified before planting.

Soil preparation and artificial reforestation may be omitted on marshy and damp areas as well as on highly contaminated or devastated and transformed areas leaving them to natural succession of forest vegetation.

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