The term “soil compaction” refers to a change in state of the soil that increases its bulk density. Soil compaction is becoming more and more important due to the fact that:

• Equipment is larger

• Uncontrolled traffic

• Earlier field operations

• Operating on wet soils

 

Identifying compacted areas within a field with the naked eye is difficult and compaction is a difficult variable to measure from the ground without equipment (eg soil penetrometer) and high labor costs.

 

If a soil is over-compacted there is significant risk of yield reductions as compacted soils affect both soil and plant growth alike:

 

Effects on Soil               Effects on Plant Growth

  Porosity                          Root growth

  Aeration                         Nutrient uptake

  Structure                        Water infiltration

  Strength

 

Aerial imagery shows subtle patterns of soil compaction that are almost impossible to see from the ground. By comparing patterns of traffic and irregular crop growth, problem areas due to compaction are easily identifiable. The management of compaction is an extremely important factor in whole farm economics and sustainable profitability.