ABSTRACT
Soil compaction plagues American agriculture by reducing
yields and increasing soil erosion. During temporary
droughts that often limit agricultural production, soil com-
paction can hinder plant roots from reaching depths of
soil where moisture is available. Measurements of soil
compaction taken with a soil cone penetrometer indicate
that compaction can vary greatly across fields due to past
tillage, traffic, and natural conditions. Various site-specific
technologies such as variable-depth tillage, seeding, or
cover crops may offer valuable alternatives for manage-
ment of soil compaction, which allow energy and soil to
be conserved and crop yields to be maximized.
