Soil compaction is an issue with soils that is overlooked by many. The Iowa State University describes soil compaction as, “when soil aggregates and particles are compressed into a smaller volume. As soil is compacted, the amount of open pore, or void space, decreases and the density, or weight of the soil per unit volume, increases measurably”. When we think of issues in soils, it is often more related to areas such as erosion and pollution. Though these are important issues, soil compaction should also be considered when we discuss problems in our soils today.
There are several causes of soil compaction. According to the University of Minnesota rain, tillage, equipment and vehicle traffic, and lack of rotating crops are some of the main causes of soil compaction. Rain creates a a crust on the soil surface making it hard for seeds to enter the soil or emerge from it. Eventually, a crusted soil surface could actually lead to less water infiltration. There is not much one can do to prevent this since rain is a natural occurrence. According to Richard Wolcowski and Bill Lowery, members of the college of agricultural and life sciences of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, tillage reduces aggregate stability and soil strength. Plowing can create tillage pans in the soil subsurface, which can hinder root penetration of crops. Wolcowski and Lowery further discuss possible practices to limit tillage compaction such as using properly balanced tractors, avoiding the use of oversized equipment, and varying plow depth. There is also tillage equipment available designed to break up tillage pans such as chisel plows. Vehicles and farm equipment are probably one of the biggest contributors to soil compaction. Equipment has grown in size over the years and compacted the soil more extensively. Wolcowski and Lowery mention that using the smallest equipment possible, reducing your load size, and limiting activity on wet soil will reduce the amount of soil compaction you induce. The University of Minnesota states that minimal crop rotation limits various rooting systems which benefit the soil, and more compaction early in the farming season because of more activity in the fields. Iowa State University calculated one can experience 10%-20% yield losses with compacted soil, it is in the farmers best interest to keep the soil compaction at a minimum.
Preventing soil compaction is by no means easy. Not many people can afford several pieces of equipment for specific jobs. Most people will use their equipment for as many tasks as possible. Also, equipment for breaking up tillage pans or hard pans is also expensive. However, we do need to place more thought into how are actions now can effect our future. Soil is the foundation of all natural resources, and is very important. We need to make some sacrifices in order to maintain soil quality and health.
Works Cited
Bill Lowery and Richard Wolcowski (2008), “Soil Compaction: Causes, Concerns, and Cures”. Retrieved Feb. 13 2012 from the University of Wisconsin System: http://www.soils.wisc.edu/extension/pubs/A3367.pdf
ISU Department of Agronomy (Sept. 2009),“Understanding and Managing Soil Compaction”, Retrieved Feb. 13 2012 from the Indiana State University Department of Agriculture: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/pm1901b.pdf
University of Minnesota Extension (2001), “Soil Compaction-Causes and Consequences”, Retrieved Feb. 13 2012 from the University of Minnesota web site: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/components/3115s01.html
2 comments:
This is an issue that I don't have much knowledge on, but I do realize the importance of soil and management of its quality. I am not surprised to see that farm equipment and practices contribute to this issue, and its good that this is being acknowledged. The fact that there is proper equipment out there is a good thing, but getting farmers to purchase it is a challenge. This equipment is very expensive, but I have a proposal to minimize the pain. Instead of the government subsidizing inefficient and environmentally destructive practices like they do now- they should pay a percentage on the equipment. I think that urban development is also a huge factor in soil compaction, and prevention steps need to be taken for this as well. I am glad that you brought this topic up, and I hope that more action will be taken to prevent soil erosion and compaction. Soil is vital to the health and stability of our planet as a whole.
I do believe this is a very big issue too, and not only are farm fields and crop effected by soil compaction, but also urban developments and roads. Also heavily walked paths in natural areas are places where soil compaction occurs. In a farm setting, I agree with Nick's idea of having some sort of government incentive for new soil-friendly farming equipment. Soil and its horizons take millions of years to develop and once they are destroyed, it ill take that long or longer to restore; therefore I think everyone should be aware of the importance of soil.
Post a Comment