Managing Soil Compaction in Vegetable Production: Practical Strategies for Nova Scotia Growers

Soil compaction remains one of the most persistent and limiting factors in vegetable production systems. It is often not immediately visible, but its effects show up in reduced infiltration, poor root development, uneven crop growth, and lower resilience during dry or wet periods. In many cases, compaction is gradually created over time through routine field operations rather than a single event.

In intensive vegetable systems, the challenge is that soil must be worked, planted, harvested, and trafficked regularly. Because of this, completely eliminating compaction is not realistic. However, reducing its formation and improving soil recovery capacity are very achievable goals.

Understanding the Real Problem

Compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space. This typically results from:

• Machinery traffic, especially under wet conditions
• Repeated tillage passes
• Heavy equipment loads
• Lack of soil organic matter and biological activity

While tillage may temporarily loosen soil, it does not always solve compaction. In fact, repeated deep or aggressive tillage can weaken soil aggregates and make soil more vulnerable to re-compaction.

The long-term goal is not simply to “loosen” soil, but to build a soil structure that resists compaction in the first place.

1. Reduce Field Traffic and Passes

One of the most effective and immediate ways to reduce compaction is simply reducing how often equipment enters the field.

Every pass across a field contributes to soil pressure, especially under moist conditions common in Atlantic Canada.

Practical approaches include:

• Combining operations where feasible (e.g., seedbed prep and fertilization)
• Avoiding unnecessary tillage passes
• Working only when soil moisture conditions are suitable
• Planning field operations to minimize traffic frequency

Even small reductions in passes over a season can have a measurable impact on soil structure.

2. Be Strategic with Equipment Choices

Equipment is one of the primary drivers of compaction, often more than growers realize.

Key considerations include:

• Heavier machinery creates deeper and more persistent compaction
• Tire pressure significantly affects soil loading
• Wider tires or tracks distribute weight more evenly
• Equipment upgrades should consider soil impact, not only efficiency or horsepower

A useful principle is: compaction risk increases with axle load and soil moisture at time of traffic.

Where possible, reducing weight or improving load distribution can have long-term benefits for soil health.

3. Build Organic Matter to Strengthen Soil Structure

Soil organic matter plays a central role in resisting compaction. It improves aggregation, increases pore space, and enhances biological activity.

Improving organic matter can be achieved through:

• Compost or manure applications (where appropriate and available)
• Leaving crop residues in the field
• Maintaining living roots through cover cropping
• Reducing excessive soil disturbance

Healthy soils with higher organic matter behave more like a sponge, absorbing pressure rather than collapsing under it.

Biological activity, particularly earthworms and soil microbes, also plays a major role in creating stable soil structure over time.

4. Use Cover Crops as a Biological Tool

Cover crops are one of the most practical and effective tools for addressing compaction in vegetable systems.

Different species provide different benefits:

• Deep tap-rooted crops (e.g., radish, alfalfa):
  Help open deeper layers and improve infiltration pathways
• Fibrous-rooted crops (e.g., winter rye, winter wheat, Sorghum Sudan, Pearl millet):
  Build surface aggregation and improve soil structure stability
• Mixed cover crop systems:
  Provide a combination of rooting functions and broader soil benefits

In Nova Scotia conditions, even short-term cover crop windows can contribute meaningfully to improving soil resilience.

5. Separate Crop and Traffic Zones Where Possible

One of the most effective structural strategies is to reduce random traffic across growing areas.

Options include:

• Permanent beds for vegetable production
• Designated wheel tracks or traffic lanes
• Avoiding foot traffic on growing beds
• Keeping machinery in consistent pathways where possible

Even partial separation of crop and traffic zones can significantly reduce localized compaction and improve crop uniformity.

Full controlled traffic farming systems can be highly effective but require investment in equipment alignment and farm design. However, even simplified versions can provide benefits.

6. Rethink Tillage: Use Less, Not More

There is often a tendency to rely on tillage as a corrective tool for compaction. While it can provide short-term relief, it is not a long-term solution if repeated frequently.

Over time, excessive tillage can:

• Break down soil aggregates
• Increase susceptibility to compaction
• Reduce biological activity
• Disrupt soil structure formation processes
• Release stored carbon from the soil into the atmosphere, reducing soil organic carbon levels; keeping carbon in the soil is beneficial for growers as it supports fertility, improves moisture retention, and enhances overall soil health.

Key Takeaways for Growers

Soil compaction cannot be eliminated entirely in vegetable production systems, but it can be managed effectively with practical, incremental changes.

The most important principles are:

• Reduce unnecessary field passes
• Be conscious of equipment weight and tire pressure
• Build organic matter and biological activity
• Use cover crops to improve structure
• Separate crop zones from traffic zones where possible
• Avoid relying solely on tillage to “fix” soil

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Growing Season

As vegetable fields across Nova Scotia continue to develop this season, many crops are showing strong early growth. As vegetable fields across Nova Scotia continue to develop this season, many crops are showing strong early growth. The accompanying photos of lettuce and squash are great examples of what healthy soils and good management practices can help achieve. These crops look vibrant and thriving, reflecting the hard work and dedication of local growers.

After the challenging drought conditions experienced in many areas last year, there is optimism for a productive growing season in 2026. Weather will always be a factor beyond our control, but building healthy, resilient soils helps crops better withstand both dry and wet conditions.

Local growers work hard throughout the season to produce fresh, high-quality vegetables and fruits for Nova Scotian families. Supporting local agriculture by purchasing locally grown produce helps strengthen our farming communities and contributes to a more resilient food system.

Wishing all growers a safe, successful, and rewarding season ahead.

 Manphool Fageria, PhD, P.Ag.

Vegetable Specialist | Agricultural Services
Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
Email mfageria@perennia.ca
Mobile 902-890-7716
6-28 Aberdeen Street, Kentville, NS B4N 2N1

 

 

Cabbage Maggot Post 

With the warm weather finally arriving, it's important to pay attention to when insect pests will become active so that control measures can be implemented. Cabbage maggot (Delia radicum) is a particular challenge in brassica crop production. It overwinters in the pupal stage, emerging in the spring, usually coinciding with the bloom of yellow rocket and serviceberry. From a growing degree day perspective, emergence begins around 161 Growing Degree Days (GDD) at a base of 4°C, with peak flight occurring around 250 GDD for the first generation of cabbage maggot. As of Tuesday May 19, 2026, 225 GDD (base 4°C) have accumulated in Brooklyn Corner. If you would like to check how many GDD have accumulated in your area go to Perennia’s Farm Data Tools GDD Calculator. Once there, you can select a station close to you, and calculate the GDD accumulation in your area.

                                                Cabbage Maggot Feeding On Roots  

Other Delia species, Delia platura (seedcorn maggot), Delia antigua (onion maggot) and Delia florilega (bean seed maggot) are also on the move in the Valley. Once the first generation of adults has emerged in the spring, they take flight and lay their eggs. It is important to know when peak flight is taking place so that you have the opportunity to alter planting times or deploy control measures, such as insect netting, accordingly.  For scouting purposes, eggs can usually be found in small clumps on the soil around the base of your seedlings.

Matthew Peill, M.Sc, CCA, Integrated Pest Management Specialist

Manphool Fageria, PhD, P.Ag.

Vegetable Specialist | Agricultural Services
Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
Email mfageria@perennia.ca
Mobile 902-890-7716
6-28 Aberdeen Street, Kentville, NS B4N 2N1

 

Protecting the Future: Mitigating Spring Soil Erosion

This spring in the Annapolis Valley, erratic and heavy rainfall events have highlighted a critical vulnerability in our farming systems: soil erosion, particularly on our sloped landscapes. As a grower, watching topsoil wash away is watching your farm's future productivity disappear. Topsoil contains the highest concentration of organic matter and nutrients; once it is gone, your soil becomes less fertile, leading to an increased dependency on fertilizers and, eventually, the permanent loss of land value.

The Evidence: A Side-by-Side Lesson 

The visual evidence in our fields right now is undeniable. In the Soil erosion photos (soil erosion 1.jpg, soil erosion 2.jpg), we see a sloped field that was prepared for planting. Without cover, the kinetic energy of raindrops detaches soil particles, leading to massive rill erosion.

In contrast, the Protecting soil erosion photo (Protecting soil.jpg) shows the second half of the same field protected by Winter Rye. The rye provides a physical canopy to break the impact of raindrops, while the root architecture anchors the soil, effectively eliminating visible erosion.

Because Winter Rye is a perennial-like crop that requires termination in the spring, growers looking for a low-maintenance alternative can plant annual species in the fall, such as:

• Radishes and Oats: These species are winter killed, meaning they do not require termination in the spring.
• Biomass Benefits: If planted in August or early September, these crops can grow 1 to 3 feet tall, providing significant biomass residue and roots to protect against erosion.

Cover crops and Nutrient Cycling: In addition to erosion control, these cover crops assist in nutrient cycling and overall soil health.

Strategies for High-Slope and Spring Management

To preserve our soil, we must implement specific Best Management Practices (BMPs), especially when dealing with steep topography:

• Contour Farming and Bed Orientation: Where high slopes exist, utilize contour farming. Ensure beds are oriented perpendicular to the slope rather than running up and down the hill to create "mini dams" that slow runoff and encourage infiltration.
• Living "Walkways" and Wheel Tracks: Consider planting winter rye or other resilient crops between beds. These green strips act as protected lanes for foot traffic or machinery, preventing compaction of the primary growing ground.
• Optimizing the Spring Preparation Window: We recognize that ground must eventually be prepared for planting, but the goal is to minimize the time soil sits bare. Do not prepare ground too far in advance; prepared soil is more prone to erosion and takes longer to dry out after rain.
• Reducing Tillage Intensity: Every tillage pass breaks down soil aggregates and destroys macropores. Over time, frequent tillage leads to surface crusting and compaction, which further accelerates erosion.

The Science of Stability: Soil aggregate stability is maintained by organic "glues" and fungal hyphae. Tillage mechanically disrupts these bonds, leaving soil particles easily transported by water

Even if your fields are not on a slope, integrating cover crops into your cropping system provides numerous advantages beyond erosion control. These crops are essential for building organic soil matter, improving nutrient cycling, and enhancing the overall biological resilience of your farm. By maintaining living roots in the ground as often as possible, you promote better soil structure and water infiltration, ensuring your land remains productive and healthy regardless of the topography.

Manphool Fageria, PhD, P.Ag.

Vegetable Specialist | Agricultural Services

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

Email mfageria@perennia.ca

Mobile 902-890-7716

6-28 Aberdeen Street, Kentville, NS B4N 2N1

Building a Resilient Future: A Note to Nova Scotia’s Vegetable Community

Hello everyone,

I am writing this as I wrap up my first few weeks as your new Vegetable Specialist at Perennia. While I have only been in the role for a short time, my roots in agriculture run deep. As a sixth-generation grower with over 30 years of experience in farming and research, I understand that the most important work happens in the field, not behind a desk.

I’ve made it a priority to visit as many Nova Scotia vegetable farms as I can in the first few months and so far, these visits have been amazing. I want to thank the community for being so welcoming and open with me. I am mindful that there are over 150 vegetable growers across Nova Scotia, each with a unique story and a specific set of challenges. My goal is to eventually support every one of you in a variety of ways.

A Holistic Approach to Your Success

I believe in a holistic approach because every farm has its own unique ecosystem and economic constraints. I specialize in soil health improvements, cropping systems, conducting side-by-side demonstrations and real-world trials directly on your acreage to see what works for your specific soil. I have come to know that variety selection can make a huge impact; for instance, there are potato varieties that mature early and require fewer inputs while producing 20 percent more marketable yield than some existing varieties. My work also focuses on regenerative integration, such as implementing cover crops or exploring rotational grazing to improve soil structure, reducing erosion, improving water holding ability and fertility and ensuring that all research results are turned into actionable knowledge for your daily operations.

I Want to Hear from You

Before I dive into research and demos and other work for the season, I need to learn from the experts—you.

What is the main challenge you are facing on your farm?

The more I learn about the specific challenges you face, the better I can focus my efforts on coming up with practical, effective solutions. I will keep all the information you share with me strictly confidential. Whether you need support collecting more information on a specific issue, or you are interested in conducting a research demo on your farm, please reach out. I am here to listen, to learn, and to work alongside you.

Contact:

Manphool Fageria, PhD, P.Ag.

Vegetable Specialist | Agricultural Services

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

Email mfageria@perennia.ca

Mobile 902-890-7716

6-28 Aberdeen Street, Kentville, NS B4N 2N1

 

 

Monitoring for Leek Moth

 We’ve been seeing increasing issues with leek moth, an invasive pest of alliums (garlic, leeks, onions, etc.) over the past several seasons. Leek moth cause damage through their larvae feeding on host plants, while the adult moths cause no direct damage. On alliums with flat leaves (garlics, leeks) the larvae feeds on the tops and inside of the leaves, as well as bores into the center of the plant leaving noticeable frass. In alliums with hollow leaves (onions, chives) the larvae will feed internally, producing translucent areas on the leaf known as "windowing". Leaf damage by leek moth larvae will reduce yields in affected crops, but they can also directly damage marketable portions of the plant. In garlic larvae will regularly bore into scapes and occasionally bulbs, as well as the stalk in leeks, rendering them unmarketable.

Larval feeding damage on garlic. Photo: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Based on sampling performed in NS, we’ve observed up to 3 flights or 2 generations of leek moth. Depending on the region, the first flight occurs in late April to mid-May when overwintering leek moth adults emerge (last generation from previous year), typically corresponding to when temperatures reach 9.5^oC. The second flight is of 1st generation adults, beginning in late June and continues through mid-July. The third flight is of 2nd generation adults beginning in late-July to early-August. These dates give some general guidance as to when flights occur, but the best way to track leek moth on your farm is by trapping.

Pheromone traps are commercially available and allow you to determine if/when leek moths are active on your farm. Leek moth monitoring should begin in mid-April using commercially available pheromone traps, which attract adult males. Pheromone traps consist of a white delta trap, sticky pad and pheromone lure. The delta trap can be reused for multiple years, but the sticky pads should be checked and replaced weekly and the pheromone lure replaced monthly. The recommended number of traps is 1-2 traps per acre, and they should be placed at the edge of the upwind side of the field at crop canopy height.

The adult leek moth is a small (5-7mm in length) brown moth with a distinctive white triangle in middle of its wings when they are folded at rest and can be identified with a hand lens. Weekly counts should be recorded to determine when leek moth first appear and peak flight so management strategies can be timed correctly. Allium crops can also be scouted for feeding damage from leek moth larvae, but when damage has already appeared, it may be too late to effectively implement some controls.

Adult leek moth. Photo: David Fuller, University of Maine Extension.

One of the most effective ways to control leek moth is by using row covers. Research done in Ontario has found that row covers were just as effective as pesticides in reducing leek moth damage. These covers physically block leek moth adult females from laying eggs on the crop preventing establishment. Row covers should be applied before the first leek moth flight in the spring, so have row cover on by mid-April to achieve good control.   Row cover can then be removed after the leek moths stop being found from trapping, but covering may need to resume if leek moths appear again from later flights. Additionally, leek moths are only active at night, so row cover can be removed during the day to perform work in your alliums without risk of egg laying, as long as the row cover goes back on before dusk.

 There are also several conventional and biological pesticide products, some of which are organic, registered for use against leek moth on allium crops. Application of these insecticides is generally recommended 7-10 days following peak flight, determined through trapping, which targets larvae when they have newly hatched and are actively feeding. If leek moth controls are implemented early and effectively against the initial flight period, crop damage and populations can be significantly reduced as well as the severity of subsequent flights. 

For more information on where to get trap supplies and specific controls or pesticide products please contact Perennia’s Integrated Pest Management specialist, Matthew Peill, mpeill@perennia.ca.

Virtual Asparagus School!

Interested in adopting asparagus into your vegetable farm? Cornell Cooperative Extension is hosting a 3 hour virtual session on asparagus production. It is geared toward smaller acreage producers, not the large scale production that Michigan and Ontario have, so a great place to start if you are wanting to add this into your crop selection. Topics will be relevant to organic and conventional growers, so it should be a relevant and inclusive session on all things asparagus!

Cost is $20/farm and the lineup of speakers include:

• Site prep and crop establishment (Elaine Roddy, OMAFA)
• Maintaining existing planting (Ben Werling, MSU Extension)
• Variety overviews from asparagus breeders (Fox Seeds & Walker Brothers)
• NY variety trial updates (Elizabeth Buck, Cornell Vegetable Program)
• Organic asparagus production (Pier-Luc Hervieux, Ferme CPL Hervieux)
• Crop establishment, efficiency & mechanization, post-harvest handling (Paul Fenton, Fenton's Produce)

Pre-registration required to receive the Zoom link. For more information and to register: https://enych.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=2183

Upcoming Events

 Hi Folks!

I wanted to come on here to showcase a few relevant upcoming events for you-

• Tunneltalk Webinar Series
• March 3 - Irrigating Soil-based Crops in High Tunnels (pt 1)
• April 7 - Irrigating Soil-based Crops in High Tunnels (pt 2)

• Horticulture Nova Scotia: Water Information Session (More Information Here)
• February 26 from 9-3, Brooklyn Fire Hall
• Managing the Invasive Swede Midge Webinar (Register Here)
• March 6 from 9:00 AM-11:39 AM EST

• Getting into the Weeds Webinar Series - Cost of Production
• February 25 - The Farmer Spreadsheet Academy
• featuring Dan Brisebois, Co-founder of Tourne-Sol Farm
• March 3 - Tracking Cost of Production on Farm using "Compass" Tools
• featuring John Hendrickson, Farm Viability Specialist @ University Wisconsin-Madison
• March 18 - Horticulture Grower Cost of Production Panel
• panel to be announced

For more information on Perennia events and registration, check out our learning page at perennia.ca/learning.