Effect of Soil Compaction on Nitrogen and Water Use Efficiency, Root Growth, Yield, and Fruit Shape of Pickling Cucumbers1

Root growth of cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) was not greatly restricted by soil strength less than 500 kPa (5 bars). Root growth was inhibited 80% at a soil strength of 850 kPa. Mechanical compaction produced by a tractor wheel resulted in a 50% reduction of tissue NO 3 at comparable soil NO 3 levels, a 25 to 35% yield reduction, and a decrease in fruit length/diameter ratio. The effects of soil compaction could be partially alleviated by increasing the rate of nitrogen fertilization; however, a 3-fold increase in N fertilization did not completely counteract the effect of compaction on cucumber yield. A system for cucumber seedbed preparation which reduces soil compaction is presented.