By Andi Anderson
A Soil Compaction Field Day is scheduled for November 15 at Iowa State University’s Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy Research Farm near Boone.
The event, aimed at helping farmers manage soil compaction issues, will demonstrate techniques to prevent and mitigate soil compaction from farm machinery and field traffic.
Soil compaction can significantly affect crop yield, especially under dry conditions, leading to potential losses as high as 10-20 percent. Compaction issues may be less noticeable when weather conditions are favorable, but the impact is more pronounced in unfavorable weather.
At this field day, participants will learn about the causes of compaction, ways to minimize it, and how to manage existing compaction.
Check-in begins at 10 a.m. at the Field Extension Education Laboratory at 1928 240th St., Boone, with the program starting at 10:30 a.m. Should the weather be unfavorable, the event will be rescheduled for November 22.
In the afternoon, there will be equipment demonstrations on a prepared soil "lasagna" to highlight the impact of different tire types and tire pressures on soil compaction.
Field engineer Kapil Arora from ISU Extension and Outreach explains that soil pressure sensors placed at various depths will monitor how tire inflation pressures affect soil compaction.
A complimentary lunch, sponsored by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, will be provided at noon for all registered participants. Due to limited space, registration is capped at 50 participants, with a registration deadline of November 11.
The field day is held in collaboration with AgriBrink, CNH Industrial, and Elder Corporation. This event provides an opportunity to understand the effects of tire technologies and pressures on soil and discover practical solutions to minimize compaction, ensuring healthier crops and improved yield outcomes.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Iowa, Education