Soil compaction - Articles

[Video] Improving Soil Compaction Using Cover Crops

July 11, 2022 | Posted in Soil Health

In this video from Michigan State University, Paul Gross shares cover crop recommendations for fields with compacted soil, why you want to choose covers with a tap root, why red clover, alfalfa or radish might be good choices and more.

Living Roots: Fighting Soil Compaction with Biology and Diversity

March 14, 2022 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: South Dakota Soil Health Coalition

A recent study by Anthony Bly of South Dakota State University found that no-till fields managed with diversified crop rotation, cover crops, and livestock integration had 57% porosity and an internal water movement rate of 4.7 inches per hour. Soil from conventionally tilled fields had 49% porosity and an internal water movement rate of only 0.8 inches per hour.

How to Avoid Soil Compaction When Grazing Covers

July 14, 2021 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Lancaster Farming

Cover crops are considered one of the most effective and economical ways to improve soil health. It is important, however, to avoid causing excessive compaction that could negatively affect following crop yield and increase runoff and erosion. Read more in this article from Lancaster Farming.

[Video] Incorporating Cover Crops

April 14, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Grower Burton Heatwole from Georgia shares his experience using tillage radishes as a cover crop, how using cover crops changed the soil on his farm, how cover crops reduced compaction in his soil, and more.

[Podcast] Got Ruts? Got Compaction

This week’s podcast, sponsored by Yetter Equipment, features Aaron Daigh, Associate Professor of Soil Physics & Hydrology, North Dakota State University.

January 12, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

This week’s podcast, sponsored by Yetter Equipment, features Aaron Daigh, Associate Professor of Soil Physics & Hydrology, North Dakota State University.

Soil Compaction Steals Yields

January 4, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Ohio's Country Journal

Soil compaction continues to be a concern as both precipitation during the spring and fall along with farm equipment size have dramatically increased the potential for compacting soils. Heavy farm machinery and tillage implements can magnify damage to soil structure reducing pore space between soil particles within the soil profile. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

Problems Caused by Soil Compaction

December 16, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Ohio's Country Journal

Soil compaction is a common and constant problem on most farms that till the soil. Heavy farm machinery can create persistent subsoil compaction. Scientists have found that compacted soils (a) physically restricted root growth; (b) decrease root zone aeration; and (c) reduces drainage, (d) increased losses of nitrogen from denitrification, (e) increases soil erosion. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

Poor Soil Health Causes Compaction, Poor Soil Structure

March 16, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Ohio's Country Journal

Engineers insist that soil compaction is caused by wheel traffic (true) but it also comes from excessive tillage, rain (think hard driving rains) and gravity (to a lesser degree). Soil compaction is poor soil structure due to a lack of roots and active carbon (soil organic matter, SOM) from root exudates. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

Cover Crops Solve Soil Compaction

August 30, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Cadillac News

Due to the very wet spring in 2019, farmers were forced to work their soil wetter then they prefer to be able to plant their crop. When soils are tilled when wet, soil compaction will occur. When soils are compacted they are less productive and less healthy. Compacted soils have less pore space, and that means that plant roots might not be able to 'breathe,‘ and both root development and nutrient uptake are restricted.

Are You Feeding Your ‘Livestock’?

By Sarah Hill posted on August 12, 2019

Earthworms — they are the unsung heroes and unpaid employees on your farm. According to Frank Gibbs, one of the featured speakers at the National Strip-Tillage Conference held earlier this month in Peoria, Ill., worms are always working to enrich your soil.