Compaction

Saturated crop field with standing water and tire tracks — The worst compaction happens on the first pass across the field, so controlling traffic will help minimize compaction as a whole.

Strategies to Minimize Compaction During Wet Spring Conditions

May 15, 2024

Insights on how wet field conditions affect compaction and ways to mitigate compaction when field work can't be delayed.

Southwest Nebraska producer's terraced field — A section of field from a 99-acre plot in southwest Nebraska, which has experienced significant yield decline after terraces were built. In this article, Soil Health Exchange professionals identify some of the potential causes and solutions for low-yielding terraced fields. (Submitted photo)

The Soil Health Exchange: Terrace Effects on Soil Fertility and Yield

November 13, 2023

The Soil Health Exchange team shares insights and potential solutions for a southwest Nebraska farmer who has observed a significant yield decline in a field after terraces were built in 2010.

Orchard with mustard cover crop — **Figure 1.** A comparison of bare ground vs. cover crop for two adjacent almond orchards after receiving 3/4-inch of rain. The grower, Donny Hicks, used mustards to breakup compaction and improve infiltration in his orchard soil. (Photo courtesy Donny Hicks)

The Soil Health Exchange: Natural Solutions to Soil Compaction — Beyond Mechanical Means and Cover Crops

October 5, 2023

Soil health experts share techniques for reducing soil compaction without the use of long-term cover crops.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Cattle Compaction in Cropland, Pasture Soil Sampling

November 16, 2022

Extension educators address concerns about cropland compaction and reduced yields from grazing crop residues and taking soil samples in pastures and hay fields.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Corn Residue for Better Crop Yields

November 23, 2021

Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman explains how grazing corn residue at proper stocking rates can lead to better crop yields, plus a review on testing cornstalk bales for nutritional value.

Figure 1. After recent rains, water stands in the border of this Filmore County soybean field. While wet conditions across much of the state will complicate harvest, taking steps to avoid compaction can reduce the challenges for future crops. (Photo by Brandy VanDeWalle)

Avoiding Harvest Compaction in Wet Soils

October 10, 2019

With wet soils in many areas and heavy harvest equipment, compaction is likely to develop, affecting crop growth in coming seasons. Taking these 10 steps can help reduce compaction this harvest.

To avoid compacting more of the field, the grain cart should run down the same row middles as the combine. An auger extension may be needed on the combine to get the wheel tracks to line up. The wheel spacing on the combine, tractor, and grain cart should be adjusted to all run between the rows.

Avoiding Compaction at Harvest

October 11, 2017

If you're worried about compacting still-wet soils this fall, these recommendations can help you avoid or reduce potential compaction and its effects on next year's yields.