Soil Compaction - Dan Fromme

Soil CompactionSoil Compaction

Dan FrommeProfessor-State Specialist

Cotton, Corn, and Grain SorghumLSU AgCenter

Dean Lee Research & Extension CenterAlexandria, LA

Dan FrommeProfessor-State Specialist

Cotton, Corn, and Grain SorghumLSU AgCenter

Dean Lee Research & Extension CenterAlexandria, LA

Alexandria, LouisianaAlexandria, Louisiana

LocationsLocations

IssueIssue

• Yield Reduction• Yield Reduction

Compaction Induced Deficiencies - K & NCompaction Induced Deficiencies - K & N

Soil PenetrometerSoil Penetrometer

3-inch intervals Green – 0-200 psiYellow- 200-300 psiRed- 300 psi and above

$200

When to testWhen to test

• Field Capacity– About 24 hours after a soaking rain– Early spring or late winte– Too wet-under estimate– Too dry-over estimate

• Field Capacity– About 24 hours after a soaking rain– Early spring or late winte– Too wet-under estimate– Too dry-over estimate

University of Kentucky-ExtensionUniversity of Kentucky-Extension

University of Kentucky-ExtensionUniversity of Kentucky-Extension

SolutionsSolutions

• Tillage• Every 3 years?• It depends

– Soil type– Tillage practices– Trips across the field when wet– Hard heavy rains

• Tillage• Every 3 years?• It depends

– Soil type– Tillage practices– Trips across the field when wet– Hard heavy rains

Thank YouThank You

QuestionsQuestions

Dan [email protected]