A Review on the Effect of Soil Compaction and its Management for Sustainable Crop Production

Abstract

Purpose Sustainable crop production could contribute to feed and fuel for the ever-increasing global population. The use of heavy agricultural machinery has improved the efficiency of farming operations and increased global food production since the 1950s. But their negative impact on soil includes changing soil structure resulting in deteriorating soil productivity and environmental quality is being noticed for several decades. The purpose of this review is to summarize and help to better understand the effect of heavy machinery, tire inflation pressure, and field traffic on soil properties and crop development, yield, and economics of different farming systems published in the last 20 years. Methods Search engines such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, Springer Link, Wiley Online, Taylor & Francis Online, Academia, and Research Gate platforms were used to collect and review the articles. This review includes indexed journals, conference and symposium proceedings, reports, academic presentations, and thesis/dissertations. Results Soil compaction increases bulk density and soil strength and reduces soil porosity and soil hydraulic properties. Stunted plant root growth due to compaction of soil affects crop growth and development, and yield. Soil compaction resulting from heavy machinery traffic caused a significant crop yield reduction of as much as 50% or even more, depending upon the magnitude and the severity of compaction of the soil. Conclusions High gross weight vehicles/machinery traffic damages soil structure and soil environment that are critical for sustainable crop production. The use of heavy machinery such as subsoiling for removing soil compaction results in more fuel use, increased use of energy, cost, and sometimes risks of re-compaction, further deteriorating soil conditions and causing additional adverse environmental consequences. The economics of different farming systems affected by soil compaction, potential soil compaction management strategies, and future research needs have also been discussed.

Impact of cover crop and mulching on soil physical properties and soil nutrients in a citrus orchard

“…Soil BD is a vital indicator of soil degradation because it influences soil porosity, plant nutrient availability, and soil microorganism activity ( Recha et al, 2022 ). According to Shaheb, Venkatesh & Shearer (2021) , soil conservation measures decreased soil compaction, resulting in increased root development and length. Shaheb, Venkatesh & Shearer (2021) indicated that soil compaction reduced root biomass significantly.…”

Data Acquisition System for On-the-Go Soil Resistance Force Sensor Using Soil Cutting Blades

“…A handheld penetrologger Eijkelkamp (Eijkelkamp Soil & Water, Giesbeek, Netherlands) with a cone diameter of 10 mm and angle of 60° was used ( Figure 7 b). Soil bulk density was evaluated [ 7 , 37 , 38 ] from dry soil weight [ 39 ]. Kopecky’s soil core samplers with a volume of 100 mL were used to collect the soil samples, Figure 7 c. The data experimentally measured were statistically evaluated using the GraphPad software.…”

“…This load cell is of a cylindrical industrial type for heavy-duty operation conditions. The body The resistance of soil acts on the blades which rotate the horizontal and vertical levers (7,8) around the pivot (4), as shown by orange arrows. Cutting blade fastening (5) allows the setting of various contact lengths of the blade with the soil and moments acting around the pivot.…”

“…The evaluation of the physical characteristics of soil is very important for agriculture as well as for the global environment. Soil compaction negatively affects the environment and human population because it reduces soil fertility and water infiltration [ 7 ]. The information on soil compaction is also used to evaluate the traction needed for agrotechnical operations [ 8 , 9 , 10 ] or for optimalization of tillage parameters in precision agriculture.…”

Restoring Soil Functions and Agroecosystem Services Through Phytotechnologies

“…Soil compaction increases soil density and decreases its porosity, mainly macro-porosity, impeding soil functions such as water infiltration, root penetration, and water and gas exchange. Crop productivity can be severely reduced by soil compaction as well (16). Soil erosion causes not only the loss of soil, but of carbon (C), nutrients, and pesticides as well.…”