Deep Rooted Cover Crops for Managing Soil Compaction

Chronic soil compaction is a significant problem in many soils in the Southeastern USA. This compacted zone or hardpan is usually is about 10 to 16 inches thick. This limits root penetration below the layer and reduces yield, limits productivity and makes plant more susceptible to drought stress. Deep rooted cover crops can penetrate the compacted soil zone and create channels to capture moisture and nutrients from the subsoil. This would help reduce and/or eliminate the need for tillage.