Northeast Region Certified Crop Adviser (NRCCA) Study Resources

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In This Section

• PO 27 Health & indicators
• PO 28 Compaction
• PO 29 Compaction in Northeast USA
• PO 30 Long-term intensive crop production
• PO 31 Soil compaction factors
• PO 32 Variable susceptibility
• PO 33 Root/shoot growth, crop yield
• PO 34 Strength & water content
• PO 35 Penetrometer
• PO 36 Degradation from compaction
• PO 37 Soil compaction prevention
• PO 38 Soil compaction remediation
• Summary

Competency Area 4: Soil health and compaction

PO 36. Understand how compaction leads to soil and water degradation. Understand the broader environmental consequences of soil degradation from compaction affecting:

1. Energy requirements
2. Pesticide use
3. Runoff and water quality

Energy requirements

Energy requirements of soil engaging tools such as tillage implements increase significantly due to compaction.

Pesticide use

Because crops are less vigorous, they are more likely to suffer from weed infestations, disease pressure, and insect attacks.

Runoff and water quality

Compaction increases runoff and compromises surface water quality.

Photo courtesy of NRCS

http://photogallery.nrcs.usda.gov