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Soil Compaction

© Don De Beyer

Modern agriculture has developed a wide variety of equipment, techniques and crops to meet the needs of ever increasing hungry mouths. In an ever-increasing demand for yields we have to look at all factors that will reduce productivity. One of those factors, which are often not given the importance it deserves, is the compaction that occurs in the soil.

Although it may seem at times that soil is one solid mass. If you look closely at soil, you will see that is not a solid mass like a brick but a mixture of fine, medium and coarse material that forms the various layers that make up our soil. The principle role of soil with regards to crop growth is to provide a nutrient rich environment that allows the plant to easily absorb what it requires. Plants find it easier to grow roots in the light/fluffier soil types. Light soils are advantageous to the farmer as we wish our crops to have the easiest time possible to grow (and produce what we want).

Soil naturally compacts if left alone. New material is broken down on the surface and over time more and more accumulates. This action is not usually a problem for plants. Soil compaction by humans however is a problem.

Causes:

Tillage Practices

Tillage of one form or another is used to prepare the land for planting and plant the crop. There are many different tillage strategies and they will vary depending on your particular soil type. In all cases, too much tillage can hurt you. Tilling the soil excessively will break up the larger clumps of soil into every fine particles. These smaller textured soils are less able to deal with loads and are more inclined to erode, crust and compact. Any equipment used on such a field will sink further into the soil and in addition to the above problems will require more energy to propel it thru the field.

Incorrect Timing of Field Operations

The worst time to work the soil is when it is too wet. Not only do you sink in to the soil deeper but also severely damage the structure of the soil. Whenever possible operations should be postponed until ideal conditions exist on all areas of the field to be worked.

Crops Grown

It is important to establish a well-rounded rotation of crops to help avoid excessive compaction. Monoculture not only robs the field of nutrients it also can accelerate the field's predisposition to compact. The use of deep rooting legumes and very fibrous rooted crops can help break up compacted soil and increase its productivity.

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