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SOIL CRUSTING
Soils crusting is more severe in soils that are low in organic matter (1-2%) than in soils with high organic matter (4%).
Small Grains:
A rotary hoe or a spring tooth harrow should be used to break that crust in small grain fields that have not yet emerged. Harrowing fields that are emerging is usually not recommended unless there are seedlings leafing out under the crust. Harrows should be set shallow (1/2 inch) and angled back to reduce the potential of harrowing too deep. Tractor speed should be slow to minimize injury to the crop.
Broadleaf crops:
Breaking the crust in broadleaf crops is more risky. Harrowing can be safely accomplished if the field is harrowed approximately 2 days after planting and the crop is seeded at least 1 inch deep. Harrowing methods should be the same as in small grains. Harrowing shallow seeded crops, such as flax, before they germinate is not recommended unless the crop is seeded at least 1 inch deep. If the crop is emerging, harrowing should not be practiced because severe damage to the hypocotyl arch and cotyledons will occur causing a reduction in the stand. An empty double disk drill could be used across the rows as an emergency operation to break up the crust. Minimum pressure on the disks should be used letting the packer wheels break up the crust.
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