Preventing soil compaction - a farmer guide

By Blake Jackson

Soil compaction is a significant problem in agriculture, particularly during periods of heavy equipment use, such as harvesting and manure spreading.

Compaction can lead to reduced soil aeration, water infiltration, and nutrient availability, ultimately impacting crop yields.

To mitigate the effects of soil compaction, farmers should prioritize several strategies:

Promote Soil Health:

• No-till practices: No-till farming helps maintain soil structure and reduces disturbance, promoting microbial activity and organic matter content.
• Cover crops: Cover crops provide ground cover, protect the soil from erosion, and contribute to organic matter. Their root systems also help improve soil structure and reduce compaction.
• Organic inputs: Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or manure, can enhance soil structure and water-holding capacity.

Avoid Trafficking Soil in the Plastic State:

• Soil moisture assessment: Regularly check the moisture content of your soil to avoid working on it when it's too wet. The "plastic state" is when soil can easily be molded into a ball, indicating high moisture content and susceptibility to compaction.
• Prioritize dry areas: If possible, harvest crops in areas of your farm that dry out first, such as higher-lying or south-facing slopes.

Minimize Trafficked Area:

• Reduce equipment width: Wider equipment can increase the area of soil that is compacted. Consider using narrower equipment or limiting the number of passes.
• Establish travel lanes: Designate specific travel lanes for vehicles to minimize compaction in other areas of the field.

Reduce Surface Compaction:

• Lower tire inflation pressure: Reduce the pressure in your tractor tires to minimize contact pressure with the soil. This can be achieved by using lower-pressure tires or adjusting the inflation settings.
• Use tracks: Tracks can distribute the weight of heavy equipment more evenly, reducing compaction.

Reduce Axle Load:

• Limit weight: Keep axle loads below 10 tons to minimize subsoil compaction. Excessive axle loads can cause compaction at deeper depths, which is difficult to reverse.

By implementing these strategies, farmers can significantly reduce soil compaction and improve the long-term health and productivity of their land.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-klosfoto