Compaction Action : Uncontrolled traffic

Field equipment can leave more than just tracks behind. Soil compaction can mean leaving 20% of yields behind. And it can mean leaving behind less soil for the next generation. On September 7, 2017, the Innovative Farmers of Ontario hosted Compaction Action with Matthias Stettler from Bern University at Shawridge Farms near Arthur, Ontario. We measured the impact of various equipment (fully loaded) and tires on the soil with water displacement sensors at 6, 12 and 20 inches in the soil. We compared tires to tracks, high to low pressure, skinny to wide tires and saw how even a pickup truck can do some real damage to the soil.