Farmers Advised to Dig Deeper for Soil Insights

Compaction layers can be more prevalent than many realize, expert says

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:30am

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A highly structured abstract painting in earthy tones, using sweeping geometric arcs, intersecting waveforms, and precise botanical spirals to conceptually represent the intricate layers and hidden structures within soil.An abstract visualization of the hidden complexities within soil, revealing the importance of hands-on investigation to uncover unseen challenges for farmers.Iowa City Today

According to Kevin Kimberley, a soil consultant with over 15 years of experience working with farmers across eight states, the best way for growers to understand the health of their soil is to literally dig into it. Kimberley recommends that farmers make test strips in their fields and then carefully examine the soil profile to check for issues like compaction layers and voids at the bottom of the strip-tilled areas.

Why it matters

Understanding the underlying structure and composition of the soil is critical for farmers to make informed decisions about their crop management practices. Strip-till and no-till methods are known to help reduce compaction, but hidden issues can still persist below the surface. Proactively inspecting the soil can help farmers identify and address problems before they negatively impact yields.

The details

Kimberley advises farmers to start by making a test strip in their field, then using a spade to dig out a cross-section and examine the soil profile. He often finds that farmers' tillage equipment is not cutting through the soil effectively, causing voids at the bottom of the strip that can compromise the seedbed. Looking for these types of issues below the surface is the best way for growers to truly understand what's happening in their fields.

  • Kimberley shared this advice at the 2nd annual National Strip-Till Conference held in August 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.

The players

Kevin Kimberley

The owner of Kimberley Ag Consulting in Maxwell, Iowa, who has over 15 years of experience working with farmers across eight states.

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What they’re saying

“We'll usually start by making a test strip, then we stick a spade straight down into the strip and dig out in front of that so you can see the profile. Then I look for holes or voids at the bottom of the strip.”

— Kevin Kimberley, Soil Consultant

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of farmers taking a hands-on, investigative approach to understanding the true condition of their soil. By digging into the soil profile, growers can uncover hidden issues like compaction layers and voids that may be compromising their crop performance, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their tillage and management practices.