Which statement about site preparation is correct?

Site preparation is a critical aspect of land management and can significantly affect the success of planting and establishing vegetation. The statement that hardpans may need to be ripped before planting is accurate because hardpans are dense layers of soil that can impede root growth and water infiltration. Ripping, which involves breaking up this compacted layer, allows for better drainage, improves soil aeration, and facilitates root penetration, leading to healthier plant growth.

The other statements present different methods or considerations regarding site preparation but do not address the specific action required for handling hardpans, which is crucial for ensuring optimal growing conditions. For instance, while herbicide application can be used effectively, it is not universally the most expensive method, nor is it always the most commonly employed depending on the specific context and desired outcomes. Similarly, while fire can indeed be a controversial and often regulated method of site preparation, it is not accurate to claim it should never be used; in some ecological contexts, controlled burns can be beneficial in managing underbrush and promoting new growth. Therefore, the need to address hardpans through ripping stands out as the most compelling and essential preparation step when preparing a site for planting.