Minimising the impact of soil compaction on crop yield

Restricted root growth and ‘haying off’ are often associated with the presence of a soil compaction layer at depth which constrains access to water and nutrients. The risk of waterlogging can also increase on susceptible soils. It is estimated lower grain yield and higher costs resulting from poorer crop growth can cost a farmer 10% of yield and in some cases more. In prior work, yield responses of up to 30% have been noted by deep ripping in a good year. Larger machinery increase the depth and severity of subsoil compaction, which is commonly now to 500 mm rather than 300 mm depth. Optimal strategies for amelioration of compaction layers include removal of deep subsoil compaction (e.g. deep ripping), followed by implementation of traffic control (CTF) systems where machinery wheel widths can be matched to minimise re-occurrence where possible. Evaluating more efficient methods of managing this deep subsoil compaction is required, as is the economic basis for making such decisions in better managing our soils productive capacity.