#RealisticRegenAg | Writer and consulting agronomist Scott Gillespie presents science-backed practices that promote environmental stewardship and farm profitability.
Beyond the white crust: What soil tests reveal about tight soils
White crust on the soil surface can point to salinity, but it does not tell the whole story.
In this episode, I return to my Better Farming Prairies series on tight soils and look at the chemical side of the problem.
Salts in the soil water affect the crop.
Sodium held on soil particles affects soil structure.
Those problems can look similar from the surface, but they need different tests and different fixes.
I cover why EC, SAR, pH and depth of sampling matter and why “alkali,” “salt” and “tight soil” should not be used as if they all mean the same thing.
--------
In case you’re new here, I’m Scott Gillespie—an Alberta-based writer and independent agronomy consultant. My work focuses on #RealisticRegenAg for organic and conventional farms. I provide practical, science-backed advice shaped by two decades of experience across a range of farming systems, with particular expertise in irrigated production.
--------
Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/beyond-the-white-crust
Article link:
https://www.betterfarming.com/flippingbook/better-farming-prairie/2026/september/46/index.html
Newsletter signup:
https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
YouTube: (Company):
https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie
Podcast:
https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie
(Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
Consulting packages:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
Funding service offerings:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
Email:
scott@plantsdigsoil.com
Call/text/WhatsApp:
403-654-3096
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
28 Aug 2026
Steel to break compaction: Making room for roots
Agronomy consultant Scott Gillespie explains how tillage and roots address soil compaction, differentiating physical from chemical issues for lasting root growth.
4 Aug 2026
Tight soil isn’t a diagnosis: How to separate compaction from chemical soil problems
Agronomy consultant Scott Gillespie explains how to differentiate soil compaction from chemical issues to accurately diagnose "tight soil" problems.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
14,513
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
61
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
Contact Plants Dig Soil™
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
