Wet soils and potential compaction

Abstract

<p>The wet weather presents several challenges to accomplishing fieldwork this season. Whether it is planting beans or corn, cultivating, or rotary hoeing, there is high potential to cause significant damage to soil structure. So before rushing out to the field on the first few days of dry weather, you need to do a risk assessment of working the ground. When soil moisture is at or exceeds field capacity, there is an increased potential for soil compaction, particularly at topsoil depths. The general rule is to minimize traffic on the field that would increase soil compaction.</p>