In a recent interview titled “Understanding the Hidden Costs of Wet Fieldwork,” Brianna Smith and Joe Everett of Ohio Country Journal Interviewed Dr. Manbir Rakkar, Assistant Professor of Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management at The Ohio State University. The interview, published on OhioAgNet.com on May 28, 2025. It explores the difficult choices farmers face during wet spring planting seasons and the lasting impact of those decisions on soil health and crop yields.
In the interview, Dr. Rakkar explains why planting in wet soil can cause long-term damage to soil structure, making it harder for crops to proliferate root and access water and nutrients. She highlights the difficult trade-offs farmers face between delaying planting and risking compaction. She shared practical tips for minimizing damage when planting in less-than-ideal conditions and encourages farmers to invest in long-term soil health strategies that build resilience against extreme weather.
To hear the full discussion, visit OhioAgNer.com or go directly to: https://ocj.com/2025/05/understanding-the-hidden-costs-of-wet-fieldwork/
Authors: Naiima Abdi, Aline de Camargo Santos, and Manbir Rakkar.