The technique used depends on soils, slope, condition of the site, natural vegetation, crop tree species, and cost. Soils, slope, and ground cover are three principal factors that determine the potential for erosion on any site. Steeper slopes provide rainwater runoff more velocity, and thus energy, to erode soils. Ground cover helps hold soil in place and dissipates some of the energy of rainfall. Top of Page Mechanical Site Preparation is often described in terms of its intensitythe degree to which it disturbs the soil.
Methods vary from low to very high intensity.
Disking and bedding are examples of high intensity methods. Chopping is a low intensity method. Erosion potential increases with higher intensity methods, especially on sloping lands. High intensity mechanical methods are most appropriate on flat land and gentle slopes. Low intensity methods may be appropriate on moderate slopes.