1,084. Fertilizing a Field on Chol HaMoed

Shvisas Yom Tov 8:10

On chol hamoed, one may not remove worms from trees, put refuse on saplings (to drive away insects) or prune trees, though we may oil both trees and their fruit (to enhance ripening). We may dig flax because it can be used to cover produce on chol hamoed. Hops can be harvested because they can be used to make beer on chol hamoed. The same is true in all comparable scenarios.

Shvisas Yom Tov 8:11

Sheep may not be brought to a field in order to fertilize it because one would then be enhancing his property on chol hamoed. If the sheep enter the field on their own, it is permitted. We may not assist the sheep in entering, nor entrust them to a shepherd who will make it happen. If a shepherd is hired by the week, by the month, by the year or for seven years, then he may help the sheep to enter the field. One may also hire a long-term shepherd on chol hamoed to direct the sheep from one place to another. Dung in a courtyard may be moved to the side. If the courtyard ends up like a barn, then it may be taken to the garbage dump.