The Harm of Soil Compaction and Prevention Measures: How to Make Soil Loose?

Soil compaction refers to the hardening of the soil surface caused by the lack of organic matter in the soil tillage layer, poor structure, the destruction of structure under certain external forces (such as irrigation, rainfall, compaction, etc.), and the effect of cohesion after drying.So how do you make soil loose and not compacted? What are its harms and prevention measures?

How do you make soil loose and not compacted?

1. Soil compaction refers to the destruction of the soil surface structure due to lack of organic matter, poor structure, and external factors such as watering and rainfall, with the soil material dispersing, and after drying, the effect of cohesion hardens the soil surface. We can increase the proportion of granules or organic fertilizer when mixing soil. Common coal cinder, river sand, vermiculite, ceramsite, bark, wood shavings, rice husk, sawdust, etc. can all be added as planting material. The ratio of soil and planting materials differs for different plants. For drought-tolerant succulents such as Sedum rubrotinctum, Graptopetalum amethystinum, Echeveria 'Little Red Riding Hood', and Haworthia cooperi, the proportion of granules such as coal cinder and ceramsite should be larger, while jasmine and gardenia require more moisture-retaining materials such as wood shavings and rice husk.

2. For soil that has already become compacted, you can first loosen the soil, cover it with a layer of uncomposted cake fertilizer, poultry manure, or other powder, and then water it once to promote fermentation, which can make the soil loose. The nutrients after fermentation seep down with the watering and can also provide nutrients for the plants. Note that uncomposted raw fertilizer should not be applied in excess, as it can easily burn the roots.

3. Do not use tap water directly for watering. The chlorine in the water can cause soil compaction, so let it sit for one or two days before use. If conditions permit, rainwater or river water is best.

4. Excessive application of ammonium nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer can cause the destruction of soil aggregate structure and lead to soil compaction. So it is best to use less chemical fertilizer.

What are the harms and prevention measures of soil compaction?

With the massive use of chemical fertilizers, residual fertilizer destroys the aggregate structure of the soil, causing poor soil aeration, affecting microbial activity and leading to soil compaction. Soil compaction easily causes oxygen deficiency in crop roots, leading to decreased root vitality and inability to develop normally, reducing plant cell respiration, affecting the ability of crop roots to absorb nutrients, harming crop growth and development, causing a double decline in crop yield and quality, and affecting farmers' increased production and income. Therefore, preventing and controlling soil compaction is of great significance in agricultural production.

The specific measures are as follows:

1. Soil testing and formula fertilization, and increased application of organic fertilizer. Carry out formula fertilization based on soil test results, and through the combination of organic and inorganic, supplement deficient elements, so that chemical fertilizer applied to the soil will not only fail to cause soil compaction but will also increase organic matter content. Increasing the application of organic fertilizer can improve soil structure and enhance the soil's fertilizer retention and aeration, thereby preventing soil compaction.

2. Moderately deep plowing of the land, with scientific and moderate deep plowing at about 35 cm. Use large tractors for deep loosening and soil preparation. When the deep loosening depth reaches more than 30 cm, it can improve the deep structure and promote crop root growth, thereby preventing soil compaction.

3. Effectively promote the return of straw to the field. Returning straw to the field can improve soil physical properties. Returning crushed straw to the field can increase soil organic matter content, increase soil porosity, coordinate water, fertilizer, air, and heat in the soil, create a good environment for soil microbial activity, and help organic matter decompose, soften, and improve soil physical and chemical properties.

4. Remove residual plastic film and plastic products from farmland. If residual film cannot be completely removed after the use of plastic film, the large amount of plastic gel-like material remaining in the soil will not only form toxic substances but also destroy soil structure.