![soybeanscrustedsoil](https://www.ndsu.edu/soilhealth/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/soybeanscrustedsoil-300x198.jpg)
Management for Prevention
Managing for soil health can help prevent the conditions that lead to the formation of surface crusts; this means doing two things:
![NDSU_Soilhealthandlanduse_0125](https://www.ndsu.edu/soilhealth/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/NDSU_Soilhealthandlanduse_0125-300x198.jpg)
(1) Protecting the soil surface
Management Option: maintaining residue on the surface year-round
(2) Increasing soil aggregation at the surface
Management Option: reducing tillage or disturbance to the soil surface
Management Strategies for an Existing Problem
Crusting may also be a symptom of salinity; often, white salts will be visible at the surface. If you suspect a salinity problem soil test to determine the level of soluble salts before switching up management plans.
![NDSU_Soilhealthandlanduse_erosion002](https://www.ndsu.edu/soilhealth/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/NDSU_Soilhealthandlanduse_erosion002.jpg)
![Soilhealthandlandmanagement_5405](https://www.ndsu.edu/soilhealth/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Soilhealthandlandmanagement_5405.jpg)