Soil crusting
A phenomenon where soil aggregates break down due to water impact, forming a dense, surface layer that restricts air and water movement.
Также говорят: surface sealing, soil sealing
Soil crusting typically occurs on low-organic soils when raindrops or irrigation disperse surface particles, which then settle and seal the soil pores upon drying.
Management practices focus on increasing organic matter content, using cover crops, and applying amendments like gypsum or lime to stabilize soil structure. Reducing tillage intensity helps preserve natural aggregates and minimizes the risk of crust formation.
A common error is over-tilling the soil, which destroys structure and leaves the surface vulnerable. Failing to break the crust promptly leads to poor seed emergence and anaerobic conditions in the root zone.