3a. Loosen the soil an additional 12 inches with a spading fork by digging the tool in
to its full depth and then pushing the tool handle downward so the fork tines will
lever through the soil, loosening and aerating it. (See following illustrations for
loosening compacted soil.)
3b(i). FOR COMPACTED SOIL: While standing in the trench, loosen the soil an
additional 12 inches with a spading fork by digging in the tool to its full depth and
lifting out a tight soil section on the fork pan.
3b(ii). Then, by moving your arms upward in a small jerk, the soil will break apart as it