07 April, 2025 – The snow is finally melting, and you may be getting anxious to get busy in the fields. But it’s important to keep soil compaction top of mind because it can cause big problems, problems that are not easily corrected.

What is soil compaction?

Soil compaction is the process where the soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space, changing the soil structure and increasing soil strength.

Why is this a problem?

Compaction limits plant root development, it inhibits nutrient and water uptake and causes water management issues. This can result in a yield loss ranging from 5-10% but in some cases can go up to 50%.

What can you do to minimize soil compaction?

• Avoid working in fields when they are wet
• Limit traffic by designating traffic lanes
• Limit machinery weight by axle
• Reduce tire pressure and consider duals to spread out weight load
• Improve field drainage
• Consider conservation tillage systems
• Consider deep-rooted rotational crops, like alfalfa, or cover crops, like tillage radish

Did you know there are 4 different types of soil compaction?

They are as follows: plow layer compaction, surface compaction, sidewall compaction and deep compaction.

To learn more, click on the link below.

https://www.fssystem.com/Resource-Center/item/soil-compaction-is-more-easily-avoided-than-corrected

 

 

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Written by Courtney Courville