Soil Compaction

Farm Machinery Design

The use of more and more mechanization on the farm has led to more opportunities for soil to be compacted. Modern equipment can be powerful and heavy. Farmers have tried to overcome this problem by using very large "flotation" tires and utilizing 2, 4 or 6 wheels per axle. The goal is to distribute the weight over the maximum area of soil possible. This strategy will work to a point but hardpans can still develop. The use of mechanical tillage means to overcome the compaction can help but they are limited.

Some farmers have instead accepted compaction, but only in specific areas of the field. The equipment operations are all performed by driving the tractor (or other machinery) on a set route. Much like a grass driveways have no grass on the wheel tracts, and grass growing in between. The farmer tries to not waste resources (till, plant, fertilizer etc.) where they will always be driving. Still other farmers incorporate forage into their crop rotation at regular intervals.

Soil compaction is a serious problem on the farm and can result in reduced crop yields. By recognizing the factors that contribute to the problem it is possible to practice better farming techniques which can reduce the cost of soil compaction.

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