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| 1. Gather
the Proper Tools |
Pocket Knife, Tile Spade
or Shovel and Yard Stick or Tape Measure.
Other tools like soil probes can be used, but may be
misleading at times. This is usually because soil probes
take practice to develop a "feel" for what
the conditions are, and in dry conditions it may be
very difficult to penetrate the soil with the probe.
By digging a small hole in the field, you are also able
to determine exactly how the root systems are performing.
This will provide the best information, with which you
can make an educated decision about your required farming
practice. |
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| 2. Locate
a Sample Production Area in the Field |
Identify an area in the
field away from end rows, wet spots or wheel traffic
where a hole can be dug approximately 16” deep.
This will represent a good sample of the field and should
be free from “false readings” caused by wheel
traffic, etc.
The more areas in a field you can check, the more accurate
your findings will be for the field. As you dig the
hole, be careful to not pry back with the shovel on
the sidewall of the hole. This can cause “false
readings” as well. |
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| 3. Find
the "Bottom" of the Compaction |
Using the pocket knife,
pull upward through the soil with an even speed and
pressure to a point at which it becomes more difficult
to pull the knife. This will identify the lower side
of the density layer, which can impede root development
and capillary action. The importance of determining
the "bottom" of the layer is to identify where
a tillage point should be operated in order to break
up the majority of this layer.
Example: if the "bottom" of the layer has
been identified at 11", the tillage point should
be operated at 12"; just underneath the layer,
no deeper.
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| 4. Identify
the "Top" of the Compaction |
Although this step is not
necessary for setting the tillage operation, it may
provide answers as to why this density layer has formed
in the soil. Pull downward through the soil with an
even speed and pressure to a point at which it becomes
more difficult to pull the knife.
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| 5. Determine
the Thickness of the Compaction |
Usually, this density layer
has been formed over many years of repetitive tillage
at the same depths, but can also be a result of any
traffic (planting, spraying or harvesting), soil type,
drainage or environmental conditions.
Example: a moldboard plow operated at 8" or 9"
depth could create a density layer just under the area
of operation. After many yearly operations at this depth,
a layer can form which is more difficult for plant roots
to penetrate, thus reducing water infiltration and capillary
action, air diffusion, root development and ultimately,
crop yield.
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| 6. Evaluate the
Soil Profile |
By using this method, not only will
you be able to determine where the density layer is,
in the soil profile, but you will be able to visibly
see plant roots and any complication that they might
be having penetrating the soil profile.
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| Lateral Roots on top of Compacted Soil |
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