Feature Story

Yergeau, S.*¹,
¹ Environmental & Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Toms River, NJ, 08755

Compaction is a major problem affecting soil health as it inhibits root growth, hinders water infiltration, and increases flooding.  Some soils can be naturally prone to compaction and much of the soil in Ocean County, New Jersey is classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as having a low resistance to compaction making compaction more likely in these soils.  To raise awareness of compaction as well as provide information on how to manage soil compaction, this feature was written for inclusion in The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine.  The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine is the official publication of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association.  The article outlines the causes of compaction, its effects on soil health, mitigation options, and how to assess soil compaction with the objective of informing landscapers on the basics of compaction and how to address it.

 

"Assessing Soil Compaction" in The New Jersey Landscape Contractor, Spring 2019 edition (May 2019) is available at https://www.njlca.org/public/NJLCA-The-New-Jersey-Landscape-Contractor-Magazine-Spring-2019.cfm?sd=75.  Circulation of the triennial magazine is estimated to be approximately 600 print copies and 4,000 digital issues per issue sent to professionals in the Green Industry in New Jersey, landscaping companies, and educational and government institutions.  The well-received article resulted in Dr. Yergeau being asked to contribute a column in the magazine.