Once compaction is verified, make a plan to alleviate or reduce compaction from the tillage zone. Compacted zones usually are caused by mechanical means, and they can be removed or reduced by mechanical means. The effectiveness of subsoiling depends on the type of tool used, available horsepower, soil moisture and time of the year. Subsoiling may be the most effective way to counteract soil compaction. Fall is the best time to subsoil in Colorado.
Crops are removed, the soil usually is dry, and evaporation rates are fairly low.
Subsoiling dry soils, although requiring more energy, provides better fracturing and heaving of the soil to break up compacted zones. Subsoiling when soil is wet may leave only slots in the soil profile and provide minimal soil disturbance between the shanks. Other considerations include the need of a cover crop for wind erosion control or other tillage operations for next year's crop. The depth of the operation varies with soil type, moisture, bulk density and shape of the subsoiling shank. Research shows that the ripping operation should be carried out at 1.5 times the depth of the bottom of the compaction zone.