The planting delays and wet soil conditions will increase the potential for sidewall compaction to occur. Sidewall compaction includes all soil compaction and soil smearing in and around the seed furrow, and can restrict root growth and reduce crop yields. Sidewall compaction typically occurs when planting into soils that are too wet, planting too shallow and setting too much down pressure on the gauge wheels and closing wheels. Sidewall compaction is never beneficial and will be the most detrimental when the soil becomes dry after planting.

Mike Olson, sales manager for Ag Leader Technology, explains how the wet spring closed the planting window and forced many farmers to plant into wetter soils. On-the-go downforce pressure changes help those farmers vary their pressure based on the soil.