Content

• Steps
• Tips
• What do you need

Compacted soil reduces the rate of penetration of water to the roots of the plant. In addition, compacted soil reduces the free space required for root growth, which stops root growth. And if poor drainage, excess water that cannot be absorbed, and poor aeration are not enough to convince you of the dangers of compacted soil, then severe erosion will make you think differently. Water that falls on the surface of the soil flows to another place, since the hard, dense soil does not allow it to penetrate inside. This article provides a basic knowledge for those getting started on ridding their garden of compacted soil.

Steps

1. 1 Understand the reasons for soil compaction. The main reason for soil compaction is heavy traffic on it. This can be the constant movement of vehicles, people, livestock, ungulates, or agricultural machinery. Improper farming practices can also cause soil compaction - due to lack of crop rotation or over-fertilization, and so on.
2. 2 Re-route livestock, equipment, vehicles and people away from compacted soil. Provide alternative routes and block the compacted area with signs, a fence, rope, or other types of barriers. Do this long enough to rest the area. If you want to reuse the area for traffic, consider a footpath, walkway or livestock walkway that will restrict movement within a small area, and use road slabs, boardwalks, and livestock fences to narrow down the area that can be used for traffic.
3. 3 Reduce soil cultivation. Do not grow anything in an area with compacted soil, rest it for several seasons, using other areas during this time. Also, avoid plowing too wet soils, as this causes the soil structure to break down quickly and does not give it time to recover.
4. 4 Break up hard layers of soil. You can manually break up the top hard soil using tools or machines. This is not a job for the faint of heart, but it does give the soil a chance to breathe again. Try using a pitchfork, shovel, or rotary hoe to break up the hard soil. It is also possible to use plants with strong roots, but if they can become a source of new problems for you (for example, they will dominate), then this method will not work.
5. 5 Improve the soil. There are many commercial products on the market that can be used to improve the soil. It is best to discuss this with your local nursery or horticultural specialist to find the right type of soil improver for your site and needs. The main purpose of a soil improver is to re-bind the soil particles together so that the soil can maintain a good structure and not be compacted.

Tips

• If you are unsure of a method for correcting compacted soil, seek professional advice. If you find that solving a problem is too time consuming or costly for you, then it may ultimately be more profitable to entrust it to professionals.

What do you need

• Substances that improve the soil
• New paths, paths and so on
• Fork, shovel or rotary hoe
• Professional advice