Soil CompactionWhat is it? How do I make it? Why is it bad? How can I recognize it?How can I fix it? Can I avoid it?
Motion
Tillage Pan and Compaction
Compaction test – Madge Series5 year No‐till vs. Conventional Till
Before No‐Till
Photos by Gregory F. Scott, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Tillage Planes
Photo by Gregory F. Scott, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Erosion to the Plow Pan
Photo by Gregory F. Scott, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Structure fifth year no‐tillMadge Series (loams)
Avoid Compaction?• Limit wheel traffic/trips• Limit tillage• Distribute weight• Create sacrifice areas• Use precision ag systems, auto‐steer• Offset wheel traffic every year• Recognize the benefit of time and increasing OM