Many lessons can be learned from history, even ancient history. Scientist have studied dinosaurs and discovered that their foot print was heavier than modern farm equipment. However, soil compaction from a dinosaur’s foot print was much less, so scientists are wondering why? This study was recently published in a recent paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which linked farm machinery and dinosaurs. Soil compaction is causing crop yields to decline. The increasing human population requires more food production and more efficient use of arable (crop-producing) land. To increase efficiency, farm machinery has become larger, with combines having wider grain heads and larger grain hoppers and grain carts . Over the last few decades, the weight of combines has increased almost 10-fold, from around 9,000 pounds in 1958 to 80,000 pounds (40 ton) today. The result has been a growing problem, the compaction of soil below the tillage zone. The subsoil is where plant...

With cold wet spring, farmers faces delays in spring planting. Generally, farmers try to get corn planted by May 10th and soybeans by mid-May to maximize yields. However, it does not pay to plant too early if the weather conditions and the soil is not fit. Farmers with large acreage may be tempted to get started a little early, but “mudding in” crops may result in hard compacted soils that get replanted. Two years ago in 2011, crops yields were high even though crops were not planted until June, because it rained all summer. Waiting for the soil to be fit is generally the best bet in the long run. Some soils (especially sandy soils or loamy soil) may tolerate planting when the soil is a little wet but clay soils are much more unforgiving. Plant growth may be hurt the entire season if the soil structure is damaged. Soil compaction reduces root growth which then results in reduced nutrient and water uptake. Seeds planted into compacted soils tend to have shallower roots and may be hurt b...