October 6, 2014

1 Min Read

As corn and soybean harvest progresses across the Corn Belt, be cautious when driving on wet fields, as ruts can cause compaction. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers 10 tips to avoid soil compaction during corn and soybean harvest.

  • Wait until the soil dries enough to support the combine. 

  • Don't use grain bin extensions or fill the combine as full. 

  • Use wide tires with lower inflation pressures. 

  • Keep trucks out of the field. Consider unloading at the ends of the field, not on the go. 

  • Grain carts should track the same rows as the combine. 

  • Don't turn around in the middle of the field. 

  • Don't fill the grain cart as full; unload more often. 

  • Establish a grain cart path and stay on it. 

  • Don't till wet soils as they are easily compacted. 

  • Use cover crops to help build soil structure.

Read more information about avoiding compaction from UNL.

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