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Rototiller The Soil Will:
After plowing, digging or working with a rototiller the soil will be loose to a depth of six to ten inches. It must be compacted moderately. The best way to do this is to tread all over the surface with a sort of dancing motion in which the ball of the foot firms the ground not only at the surface but underneath. This is more effective than rolling, which tends to firm the surface only. Compacting must be done only when the soil is fairly dry. After you have trodden the soil (if the area is really large roll it instead) work the surface over with a rake until it is perfectly smooth and fine. This should be done shortly before sowing so that rain does not "cake" the ground surface after you have finally prepared it and before the seeds are sown. If rain does come after you have given this final raking and before you sow, rake the surface again to loosen it.The presence T ET'S ASSUME that the area where you J_J plan to make your new lawn does not need draining or that drains have been installed, that the grade is satisfactory, and that you are not going to bring in additional soil. What needs doing before the seed is sown or turf is planted? The answer depends upon the kind of soil and its condition. If it is not reasonably good topsoil to a depth of at least six inches, turn to page 39 of this chapter and read Beginning From Scratch. If what you have is obviously topsoil and fairly good to the depth of six inches or more, read on. Nearly all soils (the exceptions are peaty soils andmucks)benefit from mixing them with liberal amounts of decayed organic matter. If you can possibly get rotted manure, compost, sedge peat (commercial humus), leaf mold or peat moss in quantities sufficient to spread a three-inch layer over the whole surface, do so. Unless your soil is humus-rich don't try to get away with less than two inches, especially if your soil is sandy. Well in advance of sowing turn the organic matter under with a plow, rototiller, spade or spading fork, mixing it thoroughly with the upper six inches of soil.
The role of soil bacteria is crucial for they not only fix nitrogen from the air in a form that plants can use but also promote the processes of decay. Animals whose homes are in the soil have an important if largely mechanical function in shifting and aerating the soil -it has been estimated that earthworms alone can turn over between one and ten tonnes of soil per hectare per year. As they eat and excrete the soil they also change its texture and composition.
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