Ideally you want to get 8 or 9 plugs removed per square foot to significantly enhance water and air movement into the soil. This may require making several passes over the field. Plugs should be removed, but can be left on the ground. Various other products on the market that claim to control thatch through addition of bacteria or enzymes to the soil have not been proven through research and are not recommended for use. Reducing Soil Compaction Soil compaction occurs in soils high in clay content that receive traffic and sodic soils that have excessive amounts of the sodium ion.
Compaction is enhanced in areas of high to excessive soil moisture that receives traffic.
When this occurs the soil loses structure and forms an impenetrable layer on the surface to water and air movement. It is much like the phenomenon of highway rollers wetting a soil immediately prior to rolling over it to get the highest degree of compaction and stability possible. If soils get compacted and the infiltration of water and air into the soil is impeded, the field will certainly begin to decline. Goosegrass and prostrate Knotweed are the best examples of compaction resistant plants and are good indicators of high soil compaction. How to Control Soil Compaction Soil compaction develops mostly in high traffic areas, but is greatly enhanced by excessive soil moisture.