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The Soil Compaction and Drainage in Agricultural Science Directory

Excessive soil compaction may result in poor drainage; increased energy for tillage; reduced crop yields because of reduced water and air movement in the soil; reduced rate of root growth; and delays in tillage, planting and harvesting. Ponding of water on the soil surface in wheel track depressions and on turn rows that receive extra machine traffic usually show the first evidence of excessive compaction. Drainage systems for crop production are designed to remove excess water from the soil by runoff from the surface or through subsurface drains. Compacting the soil through farming practices will slow infiltration, increase the volume of surface runoff and allow less water to enter the soil profile. More runoff may increase erosion. Because compaction reduces the rate of water movement through the soil, it results in slower soil profile drainage by subsurface tile drains. Longer periods of soil saturation may increase denitrification.

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