By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold a Soil Compaction School on November 14, 2025, at the Field Extension Education Laboratory, located at 1928 240th Street, Boone, Iowa.
The event will teach farmers how to reduce soil compaction and improve crop yields using science-based practices and live machinery demonstrations.
The day will begin with check-in at 8:30 a.m., followed by sessions starting at 9 a.m. If bad weather occurs, the event will move to November 17 at the same location and time. Participants will explore how soil compaction from heavy farm machinery and repeated field traffic affects water infiltration, root growth, and overall plant development.
“Soil compaction can significantly impact crop yields by pushing soil particles together, reducing infiltration, and limiting root growth,” explained Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Yield losses of up to 20 percent have been reported under unfavorable weather conditions.”
In the afternoon, attendees will view live demonstrations with wheeled and track tractors near the Soil Machine Dynamics Laboratory. These demonstrations will show how different tire pressures and equipment designs affect soil density.
Special soil pressure sensors will record compaction levels at various depths to illustrate how machinery choices influence soil health.
The event is sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, CNH Industrial, and Elder Corporation. Participants can earn six professional development hours and six soil and water certified crop advisor credits. A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.
Registration is open until November 10, with participation limited to 50 attendees. Arora encouraged farmers to attend, saying the school provides valuable insight into managing soil compaction for long-term productivity.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Iowa, Education