Soil compaction is one of the most underestimated threats to crop productivity in Western Canada. It’s not always visible, but its effects are costly. If you’ve noticed water pooling after rain, variability in crop height or shallow root systems, compaction may be silently cutting your yields.
Compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space. This limits oxygen flow, slows water infiltration, impacts nutrient availability and restricts root growth. Research shows compacted soils can cause:
These conditions also slow microbial activity, which is essential for nutrient cycling and residue breakdown. The result? Uneven crop growth, poor resilience in dry conditions, and reduced profitability.
Compaction isn’t just a physical barrier – it’s a biological one. Without space for roots and microbes to thrive, your soil loses its ability to support healthy crops. Mechanical fixes like deep ripping can help, but they’re expensive and disruptive to soil structure.
Healthy soil biology is the key to reversing compaction. Beneficial microbes create natural channels, improve aggregation, and restore porosity. This biological approach works from within, rebuilding soil structure without costly mechanical intervention.
H-Start introduces a diverse mix of fungi and bacteria that:
Compaction is a silent yield thief – but you can fight back. Start by improving soil biology, and you’ll see stronger crops and better returns.
Talk to your H-Start retailer, crop consultant or sales@humaterra.ca to see if a H-Start is right for your fields.
