Project news Soil compaction: prevention and remeditation
ILVO, Inagro, Bodemkundige Dienst van België (BDB) and UGent are jointly searching for ways to prevent and solve soil compaction in agriculture. Through field trials and cooperation with farmers, contractors, machine constructors and tire manufacturers, they are seeking efficient and feasible solutions.
Many negative consequences
Besides erosion, soil compaction is one of the main physical threats to the soil. Compaction arises largely from the use of large, heavy machinery, often in combination with wet soils. The phenomenon not only has negative consequences for rooting, nutrient uptake and consequently crop yield but also compromises good water management. A compacted soil prevents a good drainage of water in wet periods and makes it difficult for moisture to rise from deeper layers in dry conditions. ILVO, UGent, BDB and Inagro are therefore looking for efficient and economically feasible measures to prevent and remediate soil compaction.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing
The research focuses on field trials, in close cooperation with farmers, contractors, machinery manufacturers and tire manufacturers. Specifically, tests are being conducted on mechanical innovation, crop succession and tillage time. Existing and new knowledge about soil compaction is disseminated via a website (www.bodemverdichting.be), newsletters, seminars, demonstrations, articles in the trade press and the further expansion of the existing Terranimo© tool.
The aim is to provide the farmer with tools to prevent soil compaction. The effectiveness of remedial measures will be evaluated and optimized. The ultimate goal is to have the measures become more widespread in agricultural practice and thus contribute to sustainable agriculture. The results are also of great importance for the monitoring of water management in Flanders, as a function of climate change.
Project: Bodemverdichting
Funding: VLAIO
Partners: Universiteit Gent, Inagro, Bodemkundige Dienst van België
Link: www.bodemverdichting.be
