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The idea that farmers already know this and manage it through tilling is contradicted by the abstract: > We demonstrate that modern vehicles induce high soil s
by alecst 4y ago
The idea that farmers already know this and manage it through tilling is contradicted by the abstract:
> We demonstrate that modern vehicles induce high soil stresses that now exceed critical mechanical thresholds for many arable soils, inducing chronic soil compaction in root zones below tillage depths and adversely affecting soil functioning.
I’m also skeptical that farmers are aware of what’s going on below root zones.
- sitkack 4y agoProgrammers who frequent HN are known to be multifaceted specialists who can debunk and upend entire swaths of advanced study by only skimming the abstract. That is why we come here, to see that magic first hand.
- sound1 4y agoI agree with you that the parent posted a very interesting point, but out of curiosity - do you agree with them or not?
- randomdata 4y agoSpeaking as a farmer, the "plow pan" is an old and well known concept. While it is true that routine tillage does not reach these depths, there are various techniques, including what is known as deep tillage, to try and address the problem at those greater depths. With the advent of GPS, controlled traffic farming moved to keep the machines on the same tracks to limit the damage to specific paths in the field in recognition of the same. Maybe the study is talking about something else, but if that's the case I'm not sure it has made itself clear. We are very much aware of what goes on below the root zone and understand the potential yield loss impact that can come of it if not managed well. We work closely with the scientific community to ensure that we are aware of these types of things.