Compaction Crisis: The Unseen Battle Farmers Face Everyday

In recent years, scientists and farmers have paid increasing attention to the impacts of soil health on crop yields. Many farmers have already adopted soil health management strategies that can protect their soil while boosting crop growth and yield. These strategies can range from nutrient management plans to reducing tillage and using cover crops. 

However, compaction tends to fly under the radar, despite its potential to significantly influence crop growth and overall soil functions. Recognizing this, Kitty O’Neil, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) agricultural climate resiliency specialist, took the initiative to further investigate compaction over a decade ago.

Soil becomes compacted when soil particles are compressed together, reducing porosity and increasing density.