In order to improve quality in mechanized afforestation, it is necessary to:
1. Have a good knowledge of the characteristics of the soils and their susceptibility to compaction, and
Describe the differences between forest soils and agricultural soils, from physical, chemical and biological points of view.
2. Optimize the quality of the planting stock at each phase of its education, stockage and transportation.
3. Have a good preparation of the soil before planting, and pay a special attention to the first aftercare.
Ž The paper proposes new specifications for an ideal planting machine.
4. Humoristically, no afforestation technique will ever equal the Gauls' method invented 2,000 years ago by Asterix and Panoramix.
Correspondence: Jean Pierre Cazaux, CEMAGREF, Domaine des Barres, 45290 Nogent-sur-Vernisson, France
Telefax: +33-38 95 03 59