ATTRA

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

By Justin Morris In an earlier blog , we discussed what compaction is and how it negatively affects plants, soils, livestock, and even economics. But how is that compaction formed in the first place and what can be done to prevent it? Roots are essential for healthy soil structure to be maintained. Coincidence?

Soil Compaction 103

Soil Compaction Livestock Forage Pasture 103

UnderstandingAg

APRIL 3, 2025

Farming and ranching involve the fields of biology, ecology, chemistry, botany, physics, geology, meteorology, politics, economics, psychology and mechanics, just to name a few. In this case, tillage is less of the disturbance in question, although some pastureland is regularly disturbed mechanically. Its much more complex than that.

Acre 97

Acre Fertilizer Pasture Crop 97

UnderstandingAg

SEPTEMBER 24, 2023

Soil compaction is the most common problem that I have encountered on farms as I travel across the Midwest. It is so prevalent that it’s easy to forget that compaction is a symptom , not an inherent property of soil. Soil aggregates are the building blocks of healthy soil.

Manure 119

Manure Soil Compaction Crop Mechanics 119

UnderstandingAg

JANUARY 11, 2025

A set-stock, season-long continuous grazing program will produce a very different soil, plant and livestock response than short-duration grazing events. If you are overstocked, you are simultaneously losing money and damaging your soil and forage resource base. Duration Duration is the amount of time the disruption will last.

Forage 64

Forage Pasture Acre Soil Compaction 64