By Andi Anderson
The 2025 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll shows that concerns about soil compaction are rising among farmers across the state. As farm equipment continues to grow larger and heavier, worries about the impact on soil health and crop yields have increased steadily.
The survey, conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gathered responses from 945 farmers to understand how their views have changed over time.
The poll included several questions also used in the 2013 survey, allowing researchers to compare shifts in attitudes.
According to the latest results, 80% of respondents agreed that they are concerned about the impact of soil compaction on the land they farm, up from 70% in 2013. In addition, 81% agreed that they are concerned about the impact of heavy agricultural machinery on soil health, compared with 75% in 2013.
Explaining this rise, J. Arbuckle, director of the Farm Poll and professor at Iowa State, stated, “Farms are getting larger while fieldwork windows are shrinking due to changing weather patterns, and equipment is getting bigger and heavier in order to plant and harvest faster. The results suggest that these changes are leading to increased worries about soil compaction and its impacts on yields.”
The survey also explored the effectiveness of various compaction management strategies. Farmers continue to rely on several long‑used practices, and results show that 92% consider soil moisture when planning fieldwork, nearly unchanged from the 91% reported in 2013.
Agreement on wheel traffic control as an effective management method remained steady at 65% in both surveys.
Mehari Tekeste, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State, noted a shift in perspective on conservation practices.
He explained, “Agreement that use of no-till, which can improve soil structure and help mitigate compaction, is an effective compaction management practice increased from 57% to 63%.”
The 2025 poll also introduced questions on cover crops and the use of machinery with tracks instead of wheels. Tekeste shared that “Substantial majorities of farmers agreed that use of machines with tracks and planting of cover crops can help reduce soil compaction. That said, for both items, 38% indicated uncertainty, which points to opportunities for additional outreach regarding these strategies.”
Arbuckle added, “The finding that 56% of farmers agreed that cover crops can reduce soil compaction is important given that, in addition to compaction management, cover crops can also improve soil fertility and water quality by keeping nutrients in place.”
Tekeste emphasized the importance of preparing for next season, stating, “As farmers prepare for the 2026 planting season, it’s important that they consider compaction management strategies to maintain potential productivity.”
Farmers can access the publication Understanding and Managing Soil Compaction through ISU Extension and Outreach for guidance. More details are available by contacting Arbuckle at arbuckle@iastate.edu.
The Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll, conducted annually since 1982, continues to provide valuable insights that guide research, extension programs, and policy decisions across the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture