Crop conference speaker shares research on how bigger equipment can mean smaller yields




COLUMBIA, Mo. – An Iowa State University biosystems engineer will explain how bigger is not always better when it comes to farm equipment during the 2024 University of Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 4-5 in Columbia.

MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley, who heads the annual event, said Mehari Tekeste will talk about how big equipment causes soil compaction that reduces crop yield due to reduced water infiltration and root development.

Numerous passes with heavy-axled equipment stresses soil and compacts it, according Iowa State research.