1. What is Compaction? Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space between them (Figure 1). Heavily compacted soils contain few large pores, less total pore volume and consequently a greater density. A compacted soil has a reduced rate of both water infiltration and drainage. This happens because large pores are more effective in moving water …
The Biology of Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is a common and constant problem on most farms that till the soil. Heavy farm machinery can create persistent subsoil compaction, even when under no-tillage management.1 Scientists have found that compacted soils resulted in: (a) physically restricted root growth; (b) poor root-zone aeration (inadequate oxygen flow to roots); and (c) poor drainage that contributes further to poor soil …
Standard practice for subsurface installation of corrugated polyethylene pipe for agricultural drainage or water control table
Designation: F449-02 (Reproved 2008) This standard is issued under the fixed designation F449: the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of the original adoption or, in the case of the revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript epsilon indicated an editorial change since the last revision or …
Amending soils with gypsum
ypsum has received renewed attention in recent years as a potential soil amendment. Some farmers who’ve adopted it are finding that its effects on soil physical properties can lead to higher yields and profits, and data are mounting on the mineral’s capacity to reduce nonpoint source pollution contributed by agriculture. But is there enough information out there to justify applying …
Ohio Pipeline Standard and Construction Specifications
This document provides measures intended to limit the impact of construction of a pipeline on agricultural productivity or on other lands where it is important to maintain the natural soil and drainage attributes. It has been developed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Soil and Water Conservation as a recommendation of what is considered best practice for the …
Diagnosing Soil Compaction Using a Penetrometer
The Rationale for the Penetrometer Soil compaction is a serious concern for farmers in Pennsylvania. Soil compaction can easily reduce crop yields by 10 percent, and can lead to water and soil quality degradation due to increased runoff and soil structure destruction. The continuous consolidation of farms means that herds are growing, more forage is harvested per farm, more manure …