Soil compaction is a major impediment to roots and plant growth therefore affecting nutrient uptake. One component of the PAGoDA Contract BAN/201/390-022-“Productivity enhancement of banana farms through integrated soil fertility management in the banana belt area of Belize” is to do de-compacting of soils to aid in better root growth and overall plant development. On April 17 and 18, the IICA Technical Specialist along with the Project Coordinator carried out soil compaction analysis in different farms undergoing interventions, to establish a baseline of the actual compaction levels. Subsequent tests will be performed to evaluate the impact of the interventions in the overall performance of the banana plantation. A pocket penetrometer was used for in situ field measurements of soil compaction in assigned demonstration plots. At least five randomly selected measurements were taken at each plot.
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