On an agricultural scale, hardpan is commonly tempered by breaking it up with a sub-soiler or chisel plow. A class-one compact tractor can handle a single-shank ripper in most soils. You might have to make multiple passes depending on how tightly the pan is packed, moisture content, rock, etc. The depth you’re able to go will greatly depend on the size of machine that you’re using.
If I was faced with shallow, rocky, clay soils I would skip the whole exercise and go straight to raised beds. Set up the boxes - 18”-24” deep, fill them with good topsoil and plenty of well-rotted compost, and not think about hardpan ever again.
My garden is 100% a raised bed so I’ve not had a real need to break up the pan there. I try to do at least one row double-dig/compost every year. Haven’t done that lately because I let myself run low on stable waste. Now that I’ve replenished my poo pile I’ll get that program back on track.
Once you’ve broken the pan and incorporated a good portion of compost into the top 12” of soil the battle is half won. At that point simply adding compost every year should keep your soils in good condition.
My best advice to someone who is fighting poor soils is to to find a horse training facility nearby and make a deal with the owner to carry off some of their stall waste.
Thanks Augie!
I will say it would still be fun to watch the tractor doing its thing so Ernie could at least get some site drainage!
(Son of contractor lived edge of town! Enjoyed watching equipment used on dad’s job sites and the neighboring farmer work his property!)
Ern; Hope one or some of these suggestions prove useful!
The large back hoe the septic guys were using to dig test holes was doing wheelies trying to pound through the Caliche.
I don't think I'll have any problems with drainage as there are no wet spots on the land either either near or far from are from where I wanna put the garden.