The 2024 planting season started out very wet in most of Ontario. It was often difficult to know whether poor-looking crops or soil conditions were caused by compaction or by […] Read more
Tag Archives Soil compaction
Compaction almost unavoidable during wet 2024 spring
It’s too early to fix most affected areas, best to wait until harvest
A soil health investigation
It took old and new technology to diagnose compaction as the culprit
The soil on Ken Mitchell’s alfalfa and corn fields looked good on paper but the reality was less than stellar in terms of production. The 100-acre block was the focus […] Read more
Making the case for low-pressure tires and waiting out the wet
Last fall’s harvest weather increased compaction risk
Signs of soil compaction are evident across Ontario this year due to persistently wet weather during the harvest and wheat planting seasons in fall 2021, crop consultant Peter Johnson told […] Read more
Evaluating soil structure
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of August 15
Many Ontario soils display a similar pattern of compaction. The secondary tillage layer – usually the top 2-4 inches – is relatively loose and friable, with mostly small, rounded aggregates, […] Read more
Three common soil compaction mistakes
Avoid these missteps to keep compaction from getting worse
Glacier FarmMedia – With the advent of mechanized agriculture, farms became a great deal more productive than they were in times past. However, the large machines that ply farmers’ fields […] Read more
Preventing sprayer compaction is difficult
Some compaction is inevitable, though severe damage can be mitigated
From growth stage to pest pressure, sprayers run when crops need them. This can pose a problem because ideal application timing does not necessarily coincide with dry field conditions. Some […] Read more
How to prevent compaction at harvest
Limiting damage starts with decisions when combines go into fields
Field activity makes soil compaction worse. That’s just the nature of the work. But there are methods to reduce it, in favourable and unfavourable conditions. Why it matters: Ways to […] Read more
How low can you go when it comes to tire pressure?
Tires can take lower pressure, but using low pressure to reduce compaction depends on farmer comfort level
The impact of farm equipment causing soil compaction is primarily a function of soil moisture at the time of traffic combined with the total weight, axle load and tire pressure […] Read more
Strategies for reducing compaction from wheel traffic
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of September 9
Farm show season is upon us! As we admire the many types and sizes of farm equipment, most of us would rather ignore the elephant in the room; a lot […] Read more
Has the time come for integrated tillage management?
Understanding bulk density for compaction prevention
Tillage has its benefits, but the list of drawbacks to soil health is long. This poses a question: Like Integrated Pest Management, is it time for Integrated Tillage Management? The […] Read more