Virtual soil compaction conference to be held throughout February
Soil compaction is a growing concern for farmers and land managers, especially across the northern U.S. and southern Canada.
North Dakota State University; University of Minnesota Extension; Manitoba Agriculture; Iowa State University; and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness will host the Northern Soil Compaction Conference, an international virtual event designed to help producers understand, manage and prevent compaction.
The conference will be held online from 9 a.m. to noon CST on Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Compaction can restrict root and crop growth, reduce water infiltration, limit nutrient access, increase crop disease pressure and lower overall yields. Every pass of heavy equipment increases the risk of soil compaction.
“There are effective strategies to fix existing compaction issues and prevent them in the future,” says Carlos Pires, NDSU Extension soil health specialist. “These strategies include using cover crops, rotating crops, adjusting tillage practices, managing traffic patterns, properly inflating tires and distributing axle loads more evenly.”
The 2026 Northern Soil Compaction Conference will provide an opportunity to explore the latest research and practical solutions from top experts in the U.S. and Canada. Attendees can gain actionable insights to address current compaction issues, develop long-term management strategies and learn about the benefits of these practices for productivity and profitability.
Registration costs $75 for the full four-day event. A limited number of scholarships are available. Recorded presentations will be available for registrants who are unable to attend a session.
For more information and to register, visit ndsu.ag/NSCC2026.
Certified crop advisers may earn up to 12 continuing education units (CEUs) over the four days of the conference.
For more information, contact Pires at carlos.pires@ndsu.edu.
NDSU Agriculture Communication – Jan. 15, 2026
Source: Carlos Pires, 785-770-6335, carlos.pires@ndsu.edu
Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu
