Tips to minimize soil compaction

Soil compaction is a problem that many producers face, but one they often overlook.

Paying attention to the problem is important since soil compaction can reduce your crop yields and slow plant establishment. That can cost you a lot of money in the long run.

When soil particles are pressed together, it reduces pore space and aeration and damages the soil structure, which reduces the soil's ability to retain moisture. You know what happens when soil can't retain moisture--runoff and poor drainage.

Compacted soil also decreases organic matter, reduces microbial activity and increases erosion and nutrient leaching. All these things really affect plant growth and that's why you end up with sparse or bare patches and low overall yields. Compacted soil is difficult for plant roots to penetrate and often root growth is restricted resulting in stunted plants with nutrient deficiency symptoms.

Soil compaction results from natural and operational factors and can happen on the farm or in the garden. Severe compaction is almost always due to management practices.

Wheel traffic is often the main culprit. As equipment has become heavier and time has become more limited, machinery has become an even bigger contributor to compaction.

Tillage operations such as roto-tilling or plowing at the same depth, over time, can cause severe compaction to layers below the tillage depth. Wet soils are most susceptible to compaction.

Busy schedules make waiting for optimal soil moisture difficult. Livestock hoof traffic can also cause compaction, especially near waterers, feeders and gates.

You can take some simple steps to prevent and reduce the severity of soil compaction.

Soils higher in clay and low in organic matter have a greater potential for compaction. Focus on building organic matter in the soil to develop a good soil structure while you decrease soil bulk density.

If you can keep a thick stand of forages, you will increase manure distribution in pastures. Reducing tillage can build soil organic matter over time. Try to control and reduce wheel traffic, especially on wet soils if possible.

Planting a tillage radish in severely compacted areas is another way to reduce compaction. This plant provides a thick ground cover, and its large tap roots can penetrate compacted soils. Be sure to plant a forage-type radish if you intend to graze the pasture. Many producers plant a forage radish with a mixture of annual ryegrass or cereal rye.