Plough pan
A plough pan is a compacted soil layer formed below the depth of cultivation, caused by the repetitive mechanical pressure of tillage equipment.
Также говорят: plow sole, hardpan, tillage pan
The plough pan acts as a barrier, preventing roots from reaching deeper water and nutrient reserves. This compaction often leads to poor drainage, waterlogging in fields, and restricted plant development, which ultimately reduces total biomass and yield.
To mitigate this effect, farmers perform subsoiling or deep ripping, which breaks the hard layer without inverting the soil. This procedure is best performed when the soil is relatively dry to ensure the soil fractures effectively rather than just smearing.
A common mistake is repeatedly tilling the field at the exact same depth, which reinforces the compaction. It is recommended to vary the tillage depth periodically and integrate cover crops that can naturally penetrate and break up compacted layers.