Compaction is a reality more farmers have been forced to face, especially during the last few years as excessive moisture condensed the window of opportunity for planting and harvest.

With farmers having to explore alternative tillage practices to alleviate compaction, many may be taken outside of their comfort zone to find a solution. But is it the right solution?

Agronomist Mike Petersen has led a 2-year research study comparing the causes and remedies for compaction, in strip-till, no-till and conventional tillage systems across 3 states, in 8 different soil types from loamy sand to silty clay.  Soil compaction is a hidden feature that can limit not only yield but water intake, movement deep into the profile and nutrient uptake.

Mike Petersen

 “We’ve uncovered some interesting information looking at both horizontal and vertical compaction,” he says. “When we go into a row cropped  field, we’re looking at the guess row, where the plant is growing and in the traffic row, every 2 inches down from the surface to a depth of 14 inches to provide a detailed profile of soil resistance.”

During a virtual general session at the 2020 National Strip-Tillage Conference, Aug. 6-8, Petersen will present results of the ongoing compaction research to include advice on how to solve current compaction problems and preventative measures to minimize the risk in the future.

The 7th annual National Strip-Tillage Conference will be held virtually and feature 3 days of strip-till education through an array of thought-provoking general sessions, strategy-packed strip-till classrooms and highly collaborative strip-till roundtable discussions. 

For more information and to register for the virtual conference for just $49, visit www.StripTillConference.com and also check out our new “Frequently Asked Questions” page designed specifically to ensure a productive, positive experience. 

Title sponsors making the learning and networking opportunities possible for strip-tillers include Agrisolutions, AgroLiquid, Claas, Copperhead Ag, Environmental Tillage Systems, Kuhn Krause, Montag Mfg., Nutrien, Orthman Mfg., Schaeffer’s Crop Enhancements, Schlagel Mfg., Vulcan Equipment and Yetter Mfg. Co.  

All 13 companies will offer exclusive opportunities to visit their virtual booths, answer one-on-one questions and share new product information throughout the duration of the 3-day educational event.