Quinte Soil & Crop Improvement Association, with local associations in Hastings and Lennox & Addington, Northumberland, and Prince Edward counties, hosted a Compaction Day on September 7, 2023 at Hunco Farms in Cobourg, ON.
Roughly one hundred and thirty farmers, speakers and sponsors gathered to share and learn about the realities of soil compaction in modern farming, and what can be done about it.
The morning included three interactive sessions on tire technology and how to choose the right tire setup, how the right cover crop mix can mitigate compaction, and how farmers can assess their own soils by looking below the surface.
The main event in the afternoon was a compaction sensing demonstration utilizing the OSCIA Mobile Soil Technology Suite and OMAFRA Soil Compaction Team. A variety of farm equipment rolled over sensors installed 6, 10 and 20–inches below ground in wet and dry conditions. Data from the sensors were displayed on a 7 x 10–foot high–resolution screen. Spectators could see―in real time―the potential of each tire and track to compact the soil at the three depths. Steve Sickle and Warren Schneckenburger―OSCIA’s current and past presidents, respectively―were on hand to explain and discuss with the crowd implications in the context of real–world farming. Head–to–head comparisons were made between radials, VF tires, and tracks on grain buggies. Spectators learned that large, heavy equipment can have a relatively small impact on the soil with the right setup, while a small piece of equipment on the wrong tires can be surprisingly poor. Both Warren and Steve have made changes to equipment on their own farms based on what they learned at past events held elsewhere in the province. Changes that resulted in significant economic returns.
The Quinte Compaction Day was a fantastic learning opportunity for all involved. Thank you to the many sponsors without whom it would not have taken place: Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association, Tirecraft, TreadRight, Michelin, Hunco Farms, TCO Agromart Ltd, Deerhaven Farm & Garden, Ganaraska Grain, Scotiabank, Squirrel Creek Farm Services Ltd, Campbellford Farm Supply, Farm Credit Canada, CanGrow Crop Solutions, County Farm Centre, The Farmer’s Edge Agri-Coaching and Fastenal.