Traffic-induced compaction: Inexpensive and relatively easy to use new soil penetrometer enables measurement of variations in degree of compaction

Cultural methods used in modern commercial vegetable production involve operations–many passes over the field of tillage and harvesting machinery– that are conducive to soil compaction. The harvesting operations of some crops –especially celery, lettuce and spinach –are often carried out when soil moisture content is at a level at which severe compaction can occur.