Compaction is often thought of as a spring problem. However, in seven of the past 10 years, parts of Minnesota have had wet soil conditions during harvest.

Compaction describes when soil has been compressed by, for example, machinery or livestock into a solid impermeable layer, either at the surface or within the topsoil.

Penetrometer readings show how tractor and planter tires compact the soil.

The cost of compaction needs to count not only the investment in time, fuel and equipment required to take remedial action to repair the damage, but also the significant yield loss it often causes.

Scale matters, according to Topcon who share their vision on soil compaction. Brady Bjornson, senior product manager, Topcon Agriculture answers 5 questions.

Compaction damage at seeding is costing you, but is it enough to warrant investing in new equipment? To find out, AGCO researches effectiveness, and potential return-on-investment, of compaction-prevention tech.

Avoiding soil compaction is a challenge, especially when weather and the calendar push growers into tough decisions about when to plant, till or harvest.