Note: This will be presented via a virtual webinar.

The growth in the size and weight of agricultural field machinery is changing soil structure which in turn affects soil health and environmental quality.  Machinery traffic over agricultural lands increases soil bulk density and soil strength, which in turn reduces soil porosity and alters soil hydraulic properties.  While there are many factors responsible for overall agricultural productivity, recent field investigations have shown that soil compaction causes yield reductions approaching 30% or, even more.  The goal of this presentation is to provide an overview of the deleterious effects of high gross vehicle weight field machinery.  Topics to be addressed will include quantification of soil compaction, resulting crop physiological and morphological changes, and implications for soil health.  The presentation will conclude with future opportunities and strategies for managing soil compaction.

Speaker:

Scott A. Shearer, Ph.D., P.E.  

Scott Shearer received his Ph.D. in agricultural engineering from The Ohio State University (OSU) in 1986. Currently, he serves as Professor and Chair of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at OSU. Highlights of his research career include development of methodologies and controls for metering and spatial applying crop production inputs, modeling of agricultural field machinery systems, autonomous multi-vehicle field production systems and strategies for deployment of UAVs in agriculture. He has lead research supported by over $15M in grants, authored more than 200 technical publication, and has made numerous invited presentations at international conferences, professional meetings and farmer forums. Dr.

Shearer is a Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

This meeting was incorrectly listed on the fall postcard as being held on October 11th. Please note this webinar is taking place on October 4th.