Advanced Method to Support the Prevention of Soil Compaction
We are developing an easily portable measuring device for determining soil compaction and moisture in agricultural fields. The device records the results along with location data in a mobile user interface, enabling the creation of field-specific thematic maps. The aim is to provide solutions for the growing problem of soil compaction in agricultural land.
The nationwide MOTIIVI project’s central goal is to develop a measuring device for farmers that can simultaneously measure soil compaction and moisture at various depths. The device automatically stores measurement data and location information in a mobile user interface.
Soil compaction is a serious threat with long-lasting detrimental effects on the physical health of agricultural soils. Increased machinery size and traffic on wet fields are examples of factors that raise the risk of compaction. The soil’s structure largely determines key processes such as water infiltration, gas exchange, and nutrient cycles. Structure therefore has a significant impact on plant growth, soil carbon storage, erosion, and nutrient leaching from fields.
The measuring method being developed in the MOTIIVI project provides farmers with real-time data to support decision-making. Through the mobile interface, farmers can enter additional information, for example about soil type. The project also develops an optimized sampling system to improve efficiency and indicators to facilitate interpretation of measurement results. The accumulated measurements and their locations enable the drawing of field-specific maps showing the distribution of moisture and compaction, as well as annual comparisons. This is valuable information for farmers when considering the best timing for spring fieldwork. The maps also help identify problematic areas that may require special measures.
“Compaction problems most severely threaten the subsoil, where recovery is extremely slow: compaction can occur in a matter of seconds due to field traffic, but recovery may take decades or even centuries. Therefore, prevention is vitally important,” explains Joni Kukkamäki, the project manager.
Compaction can occur in a matter of seconds due to field traffic, but recovery may take decades or even centuries.
Joni Kukkamäki, the project manager
As farm sizes increase and rented fields are used more frequently, farmers may lack experiential knowledge about field properties, increasing the need for real-time measurement. Climate change is expected to increase extreme weather events, which, together with expanding farm sizes, raises the risk of field traffic under poor moisture conditions. The solution being developed combines data collected from multiple measurement points with other available information, providing a better overall picture of the field’s condition. Improved understanding of soil compaction and moisture accumulation helps farmers avoid compaction and target interventions in areas requiring special attention.
MOTIIVI – Mobile measurement device for soil compaction
Häme University of Applied Sciences serves as the project administrator and main implementer. Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and the University of Turku are co-implementers. The project’s innovation group brings together a wide range of industry experts and farmers.
The project is a nationwide EIP initiative (EIP = European Innovation Partnership) and has received funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The funding has been granted by the Economic Development Centre of Southeast Finland (former Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment). The project results will be freely available.
Budget: 252,182 € of which the EU share is 108,438 €
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