Soil Compaction In Cotton Fields of Mid-South

Abstract Preliminary penetrometer resistance data in selected fields in Arkansas and Missouri indicated that compaction levels were above the widely accepted threshold of 300 PSI. Currently an attempt is being made to determine if the fields under study were anomalies or represent a widespread soil compaction problem in the Mid-South Delta. We hope that the data presented raise awareness about this problem that may cause cotton yield reduction. It is important to know the extent and intensity of soil compaction in our current cotton production system to develop tillage guidelines for timely alleviation of the negative impacts of soil compaction.