44 Farm News First > BetterFarming.com Better Farming August 2016 CROPS: THE LYNCH FILE smaller equipment. But it is the size of equipment, not the method of tillage, that is reducing compaction. So what is compaction? Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together reducing pore space. Heavily compacted soils contain few large pores. This condition leads to reduced water infiltration and drainage from the compacted layer because large pores are the most effective in moving water through the soil when it is saturated. Also, gas exchange in compacted soils is slower causing an increase in the proba- bility of aeration-related problems. These include nitrogen loss (denitrification) and root disease build up. Compacted roots must also exert greater force to penetrate the com- pacted layer. Often they cannot so you end up with stubby roots. The number one cause of compaction is wheel traffic. The biggest factor is larger tractors and combines. Many believe that deep ripping alleviates some of the effects of compaction. If you are going to deep rip a field what is the best tool? Well, it depends on a lot of things. What soil type do you have? How many stones do you have? How many horse- power is your largest tractor? Can you borrow or rent a large tractor? You can find answers to some of these questions at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock this Septem- ber. There is a deep ripping demonstration. There will be 10 or 12 companies demonstrating their deep rippers. You will be able to see firsthand how they work and hear the benefits and features of these machines. BF Consulting agronomist Pat Lynch, CCA (ON), formerly worked with the Ontario agriculture ministry and with Cargill. Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together reducing pore space. PX Series Feenstra Equipment Ltd Athens 613-924-2805 Gateview Equipment Ltd Kingston 613-544-6363 Halnor Farm Equipment Waterford 519-443-8622 Ken Brownlee & Sons Earlton 705-563-2212 Kerby Independent Tract Sterling 613-395-2176 Kucera Farm Supply Ltd Alvinston 519-898-2961 Beards Farm Supply Coldwater 705-325-3133 Blue West Equipment Courtland 519-688-0909 Bromley Farm Supply Ltd Douglas 613-649-2457 Coleman Equipment Inc New Dundee 519-696-2213 DeGagne Enterprises Inc Kenora 807-468-5540 Doug’s Small Engines Castleton 905-349-3027 A funny thing happens when you thoughts you had about buying a And suddenly, the only tractor y stop by and try one out.