2
Operation
retention making the field more difficult to work in the spring and fall
seasons.
5. In compacted soil, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can more easily be
washed away and not absorbed or even become more concentrated caus-
ing plant damage. This can result in reduced crop yield.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT A SOIL COMPACTION PROBLEM?
If you have determined that you have a soil compaction problem and at
what depth the compaction exists, your solution could be as easy as one of
the following:
•
Reducing traffic in the affected areas of the field.
•
Seeding cover crops that will improve water management.
•
Choosing a tillage tool that will penetrate the compacted area of the field.
Your local agricultural extension office is a good source of information to
help you determine what can be done to help correct and prevent soil com-
paction problems.
WHAT IS A SOIL COMPACTION TESTER?
Your Soil Compaction Tester is a penetrometer which measures the compac-
tion of soil and is based on the ASAE S313.3 standard. The tester is supplied
with two tips: a small tip (1/2” diameter) for use in firm soil and a large tip
(3/4”diameter) for use in soft soil. The dial has two scales (one for each tip)
that are calibrated in pounds per square inch of the base area of the cone
shaped tip.
THE DIAL IS COLOR-CODED FOR REFERENCE:
Green (0 - 200 psi) / 0-14 kg/cm2
Good Growing Conditions
Yellow (200 - 300 psi) / 14-21 kg/cm2
Fair Growing Conditions
Red (300 psi and above) / 21 kg/cm2 and above
Poor Growing Conditions