What practice can help manage soil compaction?

Managing soil compaction is crucial for maintaining healthy soil structure, improving water infiltration, enhancing root development, and promoting overall crop productivity. Reducing the weight of machinery used on fields is an effective practice for managing soil compaction because heavier machinery exerts more pressure on the soil, leading to greater compaction. By using lighter equipment, the pressure applied to the soil is minimized, reducing the likelihood of compacted layers forming. This allows for better air and water movement through the soil, which is essential for root growth and nutrient uptake.

Additionally, lighter machinery can also enable farmers to operate in more varied conditions without damaging the soil structure. Soil compaction can adversely affect both crop yields and soil health, so utilizing machinery with a lower weight is a practical approach that can significantly mitigate these issues.