Northeast Region Certified Crop Adviser (NRCCA) Study Resources

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 38. Describe approaches for remediation of soil compaction, and understand when they are are appropriate.

1. Deep tillage
2. Organic matter additions and cover crops
3. Reduced tillage

Deep tillage (subsoil compaction)

Deep tillage can help to remediate subsoil compaction and can break through plow pans. The effects of deep tillage are usually short lived unless management adopts strategies to avoid further compaction, and to make soil resist compaction better.

Organic matter additions and cover crops (plow layer compaction; subsoil compaction when using deep-rooted cover crops)

Organic matter can make the soil resist compaction better, whereas growing cover crops in the fall and winter when the soil is moist can help create pathways for the roots of summer crops to follow. The roots also make pores that improve infiltration and aeration.

Reduced tillage (plow layer compaction)

Shallow tillage in the top 0-12 inches can help to remediate rutted soil and to address surface compaction. The effects of compaction are not typically completely eliminated and follow-up needs to make sure compaction is not caused again.

No-till planting

Photo courtesy of NRCS

http://photogallery.nrcs.usda.gov