An easy to use test can be done to predict potential soil crusting on farm fields.  All you need is some chicken wire, water, a glass jar, and a dry clump of soil.  When you immerse the clump of soil in the jar of water, the longer it holds together, the better the soil structure to resist crusting. 

The slake test compares two chunks of topsoil in water to see how well and how long they will hold together. Here are the steps according to NRCS Newsletter article #14:

Air and soil temperatures remain below normal across Ohio with most soil temperatures below the critical 50 degree level. There is a risk of some frost this Thursday morning and some frost and near freeze conditions this weekend especially north of I-70. This will keep pressure on soil temperatures warming too fast.