Compaction is the root of all evil
What is soil compaction?
Soil compaction is a form of soil degradation that impacts crop production in a negative way and can lead to increased soil erosion.
Soil particles are compressed into a smaller volume which reduces the size of pore space available for air and water. Most soils are composed of 50% pore space with the remaining 50% composed of organic matter, sand, silt, and clay.
Causes of soil compaction
One of the main causes of compaction is the use of tillage equipment and the weight of heavy agricultural equipment. The effect of equipment weight can impact the soil column down to 60cm (24 Inches) when soils are moist.
Effects of soil compaction
Causes soil pore spaces to become smaller
Reduces water infiltration into the soil
Decreases the rate that water will penetrate into the soil rootzone and subsoil
Increases the potential for surface water ponding, water runoff, surface soil waterlogging, and soil erosion
Reduces crop emergence as a result of soil crusting
Impedes root growth and limits the volume of soil explored by roots
Limits soil exploration by roots and decreases the ability of crops to take up nutrients and water efficiently from the soil.
How to reverse soil compaction
Increasing the numbers and diversity of the native microbiology already present in the soil is one way to reduce soil compaction and improve soil structure. Crop Aid Plus is a carbon based biostimulant that acts as a trigger mimicking the natural exudates dripped into the soil by plants stimulating the growth of fungi and microbes.
Roots and microbes combine microaggregates together to form macroaggregates in the soil. Macroaggregates are linked mainly by fungal hyphae, polysaccharides, and root fibers. Macroaggregates greater than 250Um in size give soil its structure allowing for increased air and water infiltration.
Microbiology plays a key role in the reversal of compaction resulting in healthier soils, healthier plants, increased production and a healthier bottom line.