Addressing Compaction

Last spring, this field had a manure application followed by a high-speed disc to fix tracking issues due to the application. The combination of moisture from the manure, tillage from the disc, and the subsequent hot and dry conditions resulted in some compaction. We were out this week to learn how this farm is addressing the compaction and steps they're taking to build back their soil health. To set this field up for next spring, the farm chose to use a sub soil tillage to break up the compaction layers. This was immediately followed with a cover crop, which is key to building back soil health and structure. The cover crop roots will help maintain the open pore spaces created by the machinery.