Soil compaction is a key indicator of momentary physical fertility, reflecting the soil’s ability to retain water and its overall productive potential.

This parameter is directly influenced by:

1. Cultural practices (e.g., tillage, machinery use) — may be inversely or directly proportional to compaction

2. Organic matter levels (OM) — inversely proportional (more OM = less compaction)

3. Salt concentration — directly proportional (more salts = more compaction)

🔎 Compaction Analysis (up to 30 cm depth)

🚜 Compact Area

• In the referenced plot, 10.19 hectares show compaction that would benefit from tillage up to 18 cm depth.

• This intervention would improve:

  • Water distribution

  • Salt mixing

  • Root development

• However, deeper tillage could risk deep water percolation, potentially reducing productivity.

• Organic matter (OM) and calcium levels tend to decrease below 20 cm, increasing the risk of instability.

• No significant conductivity issues are observed down to 50 cm.

🌧️ Mild (Incipient) Compaction

• Found in 73% of the analyzed areas.

• These zones allow:

  • Good water infiltration and accumulation in the soil profile up to 7 cm depth.

• Below this depth, temporary salt sedimentation slows down water movement.

• This layer also shows moderate levels of exchangeable calcium, which may influence nutrient dynamics.

📌 Conclusion:
Understanding and managing soil compaction is essential for optimizing root development, water availability, and nutrient efficiency. At Alba Agro, we assess these factors using detailed diagnostics to support your crop productivity.