The key to eliminating deep subsoil compaction is to keep axle load low.

Nutrient uptake from the soil is a seven-step process, requiring input from the plant with participating elements of the roots, energy input, and vascular tissues.

Marla Riekman, soil management specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, discusses how much damage from compaction can occur in that first equipment pass.

Kansas State University Extension shares some detailed directions for measuring bulk density in soils to both analyze the effects of different management practices on soil quality and quantify the differences in soil density at various depths within the soil.

When soil moisture is at or exceeding field capacity, there is an increased potential for soil compaction, particularly at topsoil depths, says Iowa State University Extension.

Productive agriculture depends on healthy soil. Soil guarantees that nutrients are made available in sufficient amounts during a plant’s life cycle and it holds water that is then available to plants. It also provides many critical ecosystem functions that are necessary for life. In this free publication from Penn State University, you’ll learn how you can protect this valuable resource through no-till.

Subsoiling is not justified in long-term no-till fields, as regular compaction can be managed with cover crops and flotation tires, says Penn State Extension.

The initial results from the Mitas PneuTrac concept field tests show the advantages of its larger footprint and better tractive force over standard but also IF agricultural tires. The footprint of the 600/65 R38 and 480/85R28 PneuTrac is significantly larger than a standard and VF-rated tire. Mitas is conducting field tests in Europe with a John Deere 6150R tractor mounted with 480/65 R28 PneuTrac on the front axle and 600/65 R38 PneuTrac on the rear.