Soil Compaction Prevention, Amelioration and Alleviation Measures Are Effective in Mechanized and Smallholder Agriculture: A Meta-Analysis

Background: The compaction of subsoils in agriculture is a threat to soil functioning. Measures aimed at the prevention, amelioration, and/or impact alleviation compacted have been studied for more than century, but less smallholder agriculture. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted quantitatively examine effects and measures mechanized small-holder countries, using studies published during 2000~2019/2020. Results: Mean effect sizes crop yields were large controlled traffic (+34%) irrigation (+51%), modest subsoiling, deep ploughing, residue return (+10%), negative no-tillage (?6%). bulk density small (<10%), suggesting not sensitive ‘state’ indicator. penetration resistance relatively large, with variations. Controlled had larger farming Conclusion: We found no fundamental differences between mean measures. that prevent are commonly preferred, amelioration often equally needed effective, depending on site-specific conditions. toolbox needed, both