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Prevent soil compaction

14 January 2019

Soil compaction, tractor

Compaction describes when soil has been compressed by, for example, machinery or livestock into a solid impermeable layer, either at the surface or within the topsoil.

This band of compressed soil restricts the movement of air, water and nutrients down through the soil profile.

Root development can be restricted, which affects yield and plant health, and reduces drought resilience and crop nutrient response. The risk of runoff and nutrient loss will increase by up to 50%.

A compacted soil has a higher risk of erosion as it is less porous, meaning it is less able to absorb water and resist surface runoff. Erosion removes soil, nutrients and pesticides from the field.

Fields damaged by compaction will recover over time, but care must be taken to identify the extent of the problem and manage it.

Wheat crop and tramlines, Lincolnshire_19728

On an arable farm, the shape of wheel imprints in tramlines channel rain water. If tramlines become compacted, this can create pathways for water runoff. Runoff carries soil, nutrients and pollutants to the edge of the field and, potentially, to rivers. Research has shown that 80% of runoff in arable fields on sloping land comes from these compacted tramlines.

How to avoid compaction - a checklist

  • Find out where there is compaction and its likely cause
  • Dig a hole to at least a spade’s depth when the soil is not excessively wet or dry
  • Look how far roots and moisture extend down the profile
  • Look for any obvious change in soil structure
  • Where the spade meets resistance is where the compaction (or a different soil type) starts
  • Remove stock in wet conditions to avoid poaching
  • Consider moving troughs and feeders periodically
  • Restrict travel across fields, especially in wetter conditions
  • Plan vehicle routes and consider using GPS systems
  • Spread the weight of machinery by using low ground pressure tyres or tracked vehicles
  • In areas where soil structure is good, and where cropping is appropriate, consider integrating minimum tillage operations into the rotation to help maintain it

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