Soil Compaction—Detecting with John Deere Soil Probe

1. NOTE: Compacted subsoil layers can be located anywhere from 152—203 mm (6—8 in.) below surface and may continue to a depth of 305—356 mm (12—14 in.). It is critical that your tillage tool be set to approximately 25 mm (1 in.) below this level. These layers impede water infiltration and evaporation, restrict root growth, and ultimately cause yield loss.

   NOTE: Dry soils are not always compacted. Adequate moisture needs to be present to allow probe to penetrate soil layers.

   NOTE: Soil penetrometers are another useful tool to help diagnose compaction layers. It is worth noting that this gauge is used to evaluate soil strength. There is no specific numerical soil strength value that identifies compaction as root and yield limiting.

   
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   A - Probe

   B - Pin

   Remove probe (A) by removing pin (B).

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2. Press probe in ground slowly with consistent down pressure.

3. Note depth at which it takes added force to penetrate (typically top of compacted layer).

4. Continue to force probe through this layer and note depth where less force is needed (typically bottom of compacted layer).

5. Continue in different areas of field to diagnose compacted areas.

6. Set rippers 25 mm (1 in.) below bottom edge of layer.

7. Attach probe to machine. Retain with pin.