|
Howdy, Compaction will happen even without using a tractor. The wide tires on the tractor disperse the weight of the tractor significantly, as born out in heavy research in the farming and logging industry (tractors and skidders). They found that a man walking exerts more compaction energy than a tractor or skidder. To avoid compaction, change the route you mow each time, so as to avoid the tires going over the same path. Mulch, instead of collecting the grass (this increases the light topsoil as the grass decays). Mow high- from 3 to 3.5 inches (this also helps you through the drought). When it gets real bad, pull an aeration unit to loosen the soil, which allows water and air to percolate down into the soil, loosening it. Another thing that I've been thinking of trying is to pull a manure streader full of well composted manure and black dirt fast over the yard in the winter. Not a heavy coat, but enough to lighten the soil. The problem, of course, is doing it when the manure and dirt are not frozen. SteveA |