Should hoeing, which is widespread in traditional agrarian societies, be considered as a rudimentary technique of soil preparation ? Its upholding in Northwestern Portugal where it coexists with more advanced ploughing techniques raises several questions. The specificity and effectiveness of this ploughing technique can be stressed through its description. The analysis of the physical and human context of the agropastoral community in which it has been observed leads us to a technical as well as social interpretation of its achievements.