Tillage and soil compaction

Soil structure degradation (SSD), often called soil compaction, is ubiquitous to cropping and grazing lands, worldwide. With soil erosion, compaction is regarded as the most serious environmental problem caused by conventional agriculture. Examples span all soils, small to large farms, developed and developing nations, subsistence to corporate farming enterprises. Addressed first will be the processes, nature, extent, location, rate and costs of SSD. Next, consideration will be given to the four <<best management practices>> to first repair and then control SSD - soil inspection, zero till, controlled traffic and cover crops; all central to conservation agriculture. Synergy of the four gives maximum benefit. The aim is to forever rid farmers of SSD and ensure their soils attain optimum physical condition for future generations.