Prior to ripping, soil test holes were dug and samples sent to the soil lab to determine soil profile and recommended "soil amendments.” Soil amendments were placed on top of the soil before ripping.

The ripping tongs on tractor went down four feet; breaking up soil and mixing added nutrients recommended by soil analysis

Hanging off the end of the tractor in this picture is called a “slip plow.”
A slip plow sinks deep into the soil scooping up all types of roots and other debris which makes its way to the surface. Following behind the tractor, workers would collect rocks, old roots, etc and remove them. This process minimizes potential disease concerns, such as root rot in the new vineyard.

This picture shows the ripper on the back of the tractor. The three ripping tongs sink 4 feet into the soil!

When the tractor was close to the house, people in the house could feel the house tremble as the tractor went by.

This is the tractor seeding the new vineyard between the rows.
A combination of nitrogen enhancing plants and drought resistant grasses were planted to minimize noxious weeds, as well as, making it easy to “mow the lawn.” By maintaining a cover crop, it eliminated soil erosion, the need for spraying for noxious weeds, and gave a more manicured appearance to the vineyard.