Soil Compaction—Symptoms

Research has consistently agreed that varying levels of compaction can reduce yields by up to 60%. Extreme cases may be easiest to find; however, it is 10—20% consistent yield loss that may go undetected and continually hinder profits. It is our intent to provide you with tools necessary to locate and eliminate these compaction layers. A properly set tillage tool performing at correct depth can reduce yield loss due to compaction and decrease fuel consumption.

Effects of compaction are often unnoticeable in field, but a closer look may reveal problems. Signs of compaction may include:

• Visible wheel-traffic patterns in a growing crop.
• Malformed plant roots. Roots encountering a compacted zone may be enlarged and stubby, twisted or thin and flattened. Also, shallow root systems growing horizontally rather than vertically indicate a compacted soil.
• Standing water or excessive water erosion. Standing water could be result of a compacted layer restricting water infiltration. Poor infiltration due to compaction can also cause increased runoff and erosion.
• Stunted plant growth. Stunted or nutrient-stressed plants could be suffering from compaction. If compaction is limiting root growth, plant water and nutrient uptake can be severely affected. This often shows up as discolored leaves and premature drought stress.

Direct causes may include wheel traffic (combines, tractors, grain carts), grazing, and working in fields that are too wet. Eighty percent of soil compaction from wheel traffic occurs on first pass of a tire. Most trips across field are unavoidable; however, maintaining consistent traffic lanes and unloading crops at field's edge will help.