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Soil penetration resistance is an important indicator of soil compaction. Knowing the precise location of layers with increased resistance to penetration can aid in the mechanical management of soil. In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze the soil penetration resistance of a Dystroferric Red Latosol, under no-tillage system with additional compaction due to tractor traffic, using multivariate factor analysis. Compaction states were induced with tractor traffic in a no-tillage area in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 passes of an agricultural tractor. The tractor used was the NH 8030 model, with an engine power of 89.79 kW (122 hp). It had diagonal tire wheels with an inflation pressure of 83 kPa on the front tires (14.9-28 R1) and 83 kPa on the rear tires (23.1-30 R1). Additionally, a mass of 7.28 Mg was applied to the soil with each tractor pass. An electronic penetrometer was used to evaluate the soil resistance, with 10 points being taken in each experimental plot. Simultaneously, deformed structure samples were collected to determine soil moisture. Multivariate factor analysis was used as a tool to analyze soil penetration resistance, seeking to determine its stratification up to 0.40 m depth. Factor analysis applied to the study of soil with different tractor traffic intensities allows the identification of layers of growth, transition, reduction, and stabilization of soil resistance to penetration at depth. Soil layers associated with management with furrows in previous crops were identified, as well as compacted surface soil layers induced by tractor traffic compaction, in addition to layers with stabilization at depth, possibly associated with pedogenetic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mulching the surface of soil after machinery traffic can offset some of the adverse effect of compaction of the soil caused by the machine. Thus, this study reported the response of cowpea (vigna-unguiculata) to compaction and mulching with elephant grass (Pennisectum purpuereum) on loamy sand soil in Southern Nigeria. A randomized split-block design of field plots with compaction levels as the main block and the mulching levels as the sub-block was used. The compaction treatment consisted of 0, 5, 10 and 15 passes of a tractor with a 31 kPa contact pressure while the mulching treatment consisted of 0%, 30%, 60% and 90% areal ground cover. The zero percent treatment served as control and each treatment was replicated twice. The soil dry bulk density, penetration resistance, soil moisture content and crop growth and yield parameters were measured. Results showed that compaction level significantly increased the dry bulk density, penetration resistance and reduced soil moisture content, crop growth and yield parameters; while mulching significantly increased soil moisture content, dry bulk density and reduced penetration resistance (P<0.05). The growth and yield parameter increased for 30% mulch cover and thereafter reduced for 60% and 90% mulch cover. Both the crop dry matter and grain yield had significant correlation (R² = 0.93 and 0.96, respectively) with mulch cover and compaction using surface response analysis. Multiple regressions showed that a ground cover of 40% will be optimum for cowpea production on uncompacted soil while up to 65% and 92% will be needed to complement the 5 and 10 passes of tractor to produce comparative yields respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed, to evaluate the structural behavior of Oxisols based on the least limiting water range (LLWR) and establish relations with corn crop. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with five treatments and four replications. Soil samples collected at the layer of 0-0.20 m depth in a Haplustox (LVd) and an Eutrustox (LVef) were used. The compaction treatments consisted of T0= no additional compaction; T1 and T2= two and four passes with a 4 t tractor, respectively; T3 and T4 = two and four passes with a 10 t tractor, respectively. The range of LLWR variation in the LVd was the lowest one and varied from 0.01 to 0.04 m3 m-3, whereas in the LVef varied from 0.03 to 0.13 m3 m-3 for the critical soil penetration resistance (PRc) of 2 MPa. It was observed that critical bulk density (BDc) values were 1.76 and 1.40 Mg m-3 in the LVd and the LVef, respectively. The highest frequency of bulk density (BC = BDc) occurred from the T1 to T4 (LVd) and from the T2 to T4, however, a reduction in corn yield was not observed. The determination of the LLWR was efficient and complementary for identifying more favorable or more impeditive conditions to compaction in the LVef for the corn crop development in relation to the LVd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in sinkage and cone index are of crucial importance when planning fieldwork, and for determining the trafficability of farm machinery. Many studies have highlighted the link between higher values of these parameters and dramatic decreases in crop yield. Variations in the dry bulk density and cone index of clayey soil in Southern Spain were measured following each of five successive passes over the same land with the three types of tractor most widely used in the area (tracked, two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive). In addition, sinkage (rut depth) of the running gear was measured using a laser microrelief profile meter. This device, which integrates three sensors, was specifically designed for these experiments, as was an electrical penetrometer to determine the cone index, and both instruments proved reliable and accurate in the field. The main goal of this study was to design, manufacture and test these new devices. The first pass caused most soil alteration when compared to successive passes for all types of tractor tested and soil conditions prevailing during the tests. (Heavier) four-wheel drive tractors were found to cause greater soil damage (sinkage, cone index and dry bulk density) than two-wheel drive and track tractors. There was no statistically significant difference between the two latter types. The greatest alterations were recorded in the top 10 cm of the soil. The results show that soil compaction should be avoided as much as possible. This can be achieved by ensuring that tractors always travel along the same tracks, especially in the wet season. At present these aspects are not considered by farmers in this area.

Copyright of Listy Cukrovarnicke a Reparske is the property of VUC Praha a.s. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Brazilian agriculture, maize (Zea mays L.) is prominent because of its magnitude of grain production. However, soil compaction changes negatively the soil physical attributes, limiting the crop growth. This study aimed to evaluate physical attributes of a clayey Oxisol (Rhodic Hapludox) under no-tillage, and the relationships between these attributes with maize yield in the Midwest region of Brazil. Besides this, indicators of soil physical quality when subjected to levels of compaction were determined. A randomized complete block design was applied with five replicates. Treatments were induced levels of compaction: a reference condition that reflects 8 yr of no-tillage (NT); no-tillage with additional compaction by tractor traffic in one (NT-1), two (NT-2), four (NT-4), and six passes (NT-6). There was significant correlation (P < 0.01) between all physical attributes of the studied soil. Maize yield was positively correlated to macroporosity (r = 0.41*), and negatively to penetration resistance (r = -0.42*), geometric mean diameter (r = -0.51*), and mean weighted diameter (r = -0.53*). The index of emergence speed, stem diameter, plant height, grain mass, and grain yield decreased as soil compaction increased. The physical attributes evaluated, especially the resistance to penetration and soil macroporosity, reveal the level of soil compaction and can be used as soil physical quality indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil compaction can occur due to machine traffic and is an indicator of soil physical structure degradation. For this study 3 strain transducers with a maximum displacement of 5 cm were used to measure soil compaction under the rear tire of MF285 tractor. In first series of experiments, the effect of tractor traffic was investigated using displacement transducers and cylindrical cores. For the second series, only strain transducers were used to evaluate the effect of moisture levels of 11%, 16% and 22%, tractor velocities of 1, 3 and 5 km/h, and three depths of 20, 30 and 40 cm on soil compaction, and soil behavior during the compaction process was investigated. Results showed that no significant difference was found between the two methods of measuring the bulk density. The three main factors were significant on soil compaction at a probability level of 1%. The mutual binary effect of moisture and depth was significant at 1%, and the interaction of moisture, velocity, and depth were significant at 5%. The soil was compressed in the vertical direction and elongated in the lateral direction. In the longitudinal direction, the soil was initially compressed by the approaching tractor, then elongated, and ultimately compressed again. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Subsoil compaction occurs after five years of application of direct sowing systems. [•] We found that maize yields varied in response to subsoil compaction. [•] One pass a tractor and planter with weight above 144kN produced subsoil compaction. [•] Cone index measurements showed that subsoil compaction persisted for more than 4 year. [•] When the axle load increase on soils with high bearing capacity crop yields decrease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was in an olive ( Olea europea L.) grove in the Vélez Blanco District of Almería, Spain, where the soil is a typical Aridisol. The aim was to evaluate subsoil compaction caused by three different tractors currently used in olive groves. Measurements were made of (i) the cone index ( CI), (ii) hydraulic conductivity ( HC) and (iii) rut depth after passage of a light tractor ( LT = 22.50 kN), a heavy tractor ( HT = 42.60 kN) and a medium tractor ( MT = 33.30 kN). The CI differed for the topsoil (0-200 mm) for each type of tractor after up to five passes. In this depth soil level, the CI was greatest for LT because the ground pressure (by narrow tyres) was greater than under the MT and HT. For deeper layers, there was a strong positive relationship between number of tractor passes and CI values, and the CI was greater for passes by the HT than the LT or MT. The HT resulted in shallower ruts up to the fifth pass, and the CI values were smaller because there was less ground pressure from this tractor than the others. In all treatments, tractor traffic caused varying decreases in HC in the 0-600 mm depth range. The main conclusion is that subsoil compaction is related directly to tractor weight. For the three tractors, topsoil compaction is caused by ground pressure and not on total axle load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in sinkage and cone index are of crucial importance when planning fieldwork, and for determining the trafficability of farm machinery. Many studies have highlighted the link between higher values of these parameters and dramatic decreases in crop yield. Variations in the dry bulk density and cone index of clayey soil in Southern Spain were measured following each of five successive passes over the same land with the three types of tractor most widely used in the area (tracked, two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive). In addition, sinkage (rut depth) of the running gear was measured using a laser microrelief profile meter. This device, which integrates three sensors, was specifically designed for these experiments, as was an electrical penetrometer to determine the cone index, and both instruments proved reliable and accurate in the field. The main goal of this study was to design, manufacture and test these new devices. The first pass caused most soil alteration when compared to successive passes for all types of tractor tested and soil conditions prevailing during the tests. (Heavier) four-wheel drive tractors were found to cause greater soil damage (sinkage, cone index and dry bulk density) than two-wheel drive and track tractors. There was no statistically significant difference between the two latter types. The greatest alterations were recorded in the top 10 cm of the soil. The results show that soil compaction should be avoided as much as possible. This can be achieved by ensuring that tractors always travel along the same tracks, especially in the wet season. At present these aspects are not considered by farmers in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Farmers may desire a high cone index soil for tractive purposes or a low cone index (CI) soil for root penetration and seedling emergence. The function of any agricultural tractor is to provide mobility for itself and to power an implement. The aim of this paper was to (a) assess the impact of two tractors with different tyre sizes and axle loads on motion resistance (MR) and on the CI for three different soil mechanic conditions and (b) determine the existing relationships between MR and ground pressure parameters and tyre sinkage. Traffic was simulated with one pass on clay soil for a front-wheel assist tractor (FWA, load=77.7kN) and a four-wheel drive tractor (4WD, load=98.01kN) on three soil conditions: direct sowing systems, ploughed and seedbed. The outlined hypotheses were as follows: (1) there is a direct relationship between the subsoil compaction and the MR force of the FWA and 4WD tractors, and (2) the power loss produced by the MR depends on the soil mechanics. The experiment was conducted in the eastern section of the Rolling Pampa region of Argentina at 34°36′S, 58°40′W. MR, rut depth (RD) and CI were measured. The MR mean values of the 4WD were 9.30, 6.59 and 2.31kN for ploughed, seedbed and direct sowing soil, respectively, whereas the values for the FWA were 10.41, 7.91 and 4.67kN, respectively. For the three soil conditions, no significant differences were found in the RD between the 4WD and FWA. For the topsoil level (0–150mm), one FWA pass caused mean values in the CI of 2150, 1835 and 1780kPa for direct sowing, seedbed and ploughed soil, respectively, whereas for 4WD the values were 1890, 1640 and 1587kPa, respectively. For the subsoil (150–600mm), 4WD caused higher CI values than the FWA. The CI mean values of the 4WD were 2477, 2240 and 1890kPa for direct sowing, seedbed and ploughed soil, respectively, whereas the values for the FWA were 2240, 1870 and 1770kPa, respectively. For the different soil conditions, the subsoil compaction increased as the total axle load increased, independently from the ground pressure. Moreover, for both tractors, a greater MR force was observed in the soil with the lowest bearing capacity. The smallest power loss ratio due to MR and engine power was found with the 4WD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tractor traffic as a cause of soil compaction is widely recognized as one of the most important factors responsible for environmental degradation and plant yield losses. It is a serious problem for perennial crops, where the soil surface is wheeled without any opening operation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of tractor traffic on meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) yields and root development. The field experiment was located in Mydlniki near Krakow, Poland, on silty loam Mollic Fluvisol. Experimental plots were established in randomized block design with four replications. Four compaction treatments were applied using the following range of number of passes: (P0) untreated control, (P2) two passes, (P4) four passes and (P6) six passes completely covering plot surfaces after each harvest. The dry matter (DM) of the yield and roots (RMD) were determined. Morphometric parameters of roots were estimated using image analysis software. Root length density (RLD), specific root length (SRL), and mean diameter (MD) were calculated. Tractor traffic resulted in significant influence on meadow fescue annual yields. The highest annual yields were obtained at the P2 and P4 treatments. However, in the first cut it was noticed that an increase in the number of passes increased plant yields. During the second and the third cut it was found that intensive tractor traffic decreased plant yields, probably as an effect of damage caused to above-ground parts of plants. The meadow fescue roots were significantly affected by tractor traffic only in the 5-15 cm soil layer. Tractor traffic increased the RLD value in a root diameter range of 0.1-0.5 mm. However, any other morphometric parameters, like mean root diameter (MD), specific root length (SRL) or dry root diameter (RDM) were not affected by soil compaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to quantify soil compaction induced by tractor traffic on two tillage regimes: conventional tillage and direct drilling. Traffic was simulated with one pass of a conventional 2WD tractor, using four configurations of cross-ply rear tyres: 18.4–34, 23.1–30, 18.4–38 and 24.5–32, and four configurations of radial tyres 18.4R34, 23.1R 30, 18.4R 38 and 24.5R 32, with two ballast conditions used in each configuration. The experiment was conducted in the east of the Rolling Pampa region, Buenos Aires State, Argentina at 34°25′S, 59°15′W; altitude 22m above sea level. Rut depth after traffic and soil bulk density and cone index in a 0–450-mm profile were measured before and after traffic. Considering topsoil level, in two tillage regimes, all treatments induced significant values of soil compaction as compared to the control plot without traffic. Subsoil compaction increased as total axle load increased and was independent of ground pressure. For the same tyre configuration, radial tyre caused less soil compaction than the cross-ply. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of soil compaction on the herbage yield and root growth of lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.). A field experiment was conducted on a silty loam Mollic Fluvisols soil in 2003–2006. Herbage yield and root morphology, in terms of root length density, mean root diameter, specific root length and distribution of dry matter (DM) in roots, were measured. Four compaction treatments were applied three times annually by tractor using the following number of passes: control without experimental traffic, two passes, four passes and six passes. The tractor traffic changed the physical properties of the soil by increasing bulk density and penetration resistance. Soil compaction also improved its water retention properties. These changes were associated with changes in root morphology and distribution of the DM in roots. Soil compaction resulted in higher proportions of the DM in roots, especially in the upper, 0–10 cm, soil horizon. Decreases in the root length density were observed in a root diameter range of 0·1–1·0 mm. It was also found that roots in a more compacted soil were significantly thicker. An effect of the root system of lucerne on soil compaction was observed. The root system of lucerne decreased the effects of soil compaction that had been recorded in the first and the second year of the experiment. An increase in the number of passes resulted in a decrease in the DM yield of herbage in the second and third harvests each year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The main function of deep tillage is to alleviate subsoil compaction, but how long do the benefits of this technique remain? Traffic on loose soil causes a significant increase in soil compaction. Subsoiling and chisel plowing were carried out at 450 and 280mm depth, respectively on a compacted soil in the west Rolling Pampas region of Argentina. The draft required, physical soil properties, root growth, sunflower (Helianthus annus L. Merr.) yield and traffic compaction over the subsequent two growing seasons were measured. Cone penetrometer resistance was reduced and sunflower yields increased following deep tillage operations. Subsoil compaction caused changes to the root system of sunflower that affected shoot growth and crop yields. Although subsoiling and chiseling had an immediate loosening effect, it was evident that after just 2 years, when traffic intensity was >95mgkmha−1, re-compaction and settling had occurred in the 300–600mm depth range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Soil erosion is affected by rainfall temporal patterns and intensity variability. In vineyards, machine traffic is implemented with particular intensity from late spring to harvest, and it is responsible for soil compaction, which likely affects soil hydraulic properties, runoff, and soil erosion. Additionally, the hydraulic and physical properties of soil are highly influenced by vineyards' inter-rows soil management. The effects on soil compaction and both hydrological and erosional processes of machine traffic were investigated on a sloping vineyard with different inter-row soil managements (tillage and permanent grass cover) in the Alto Monferrato area (Piedmont, NW Italy). During the investigation (November 2016–October 2018), soil water content, rainfall, runoff, and soil erosion were continuously monitored. Field-saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil penetration resistance, and bulk density were recorded periodically in portions of inter-rows affected and not affected by the machine traffic. Very different yearly precipitation characterized the observed period, leading to higher bulk density and lower infiltration rates in the wetter year, especially in the tilled vineyard, whereas soil penetration resistance was generally higher in the grassed plot and in drier conditions. In the wet year, management with grass cover considerably reduced runoff (−76%) and soil loss (−83%) compared to tillage and in the dry season. Those results highlight the need to limit the tractor traffic, in order to reduce negative effects due to soil compaction, especially in tilled inter-rows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]