Soil Compaction Prevention for Farm Workers

Soil compaction restricts root development and impairs water and nutrient uptake in crops. It results from excessive pressure during field operations like ploughing, fertilising, mowing, and harvesting, reducing pore volume essential for air and water movement. This leads to waterlogging and reduced crop performance. Farm workers can prevent compaction by avoiding wet conditions, using low-pressure or wide tyres, and opting for slurry spreaders over tankers. Relief measures include growing cover crops like sorghum or using a mouldboard plough to loosen subsoil. The Soil Compaction Gelderland project supports farm workers in adopting practices that maintain soil health and functionality.