A plow pan is a subsurface horizon or soil layer having a high bulk density and a lower total porosity than the soil directly above or below it as a result of pressure applied by normal tillage operations, such as plows, discs, and other tillage implements. Plow pans may also be called pressure pans, tillage pans, or traffic pans. Plow pans are not cemented by organic matter or chemicals. Plow pans are the result of pressure exerted by humans, whereas hard pans occur naturally.

See Also

Soil Compaction