AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF TRACTOR TYRE WIDTH ON SOIL COMPACTION AND CROP DAMAGE

Abstract

Soil compaction is a prevailing problem in the UK agricultural industry. This investigation focuses on the effect of tractor tyre width on a temporary grass crop used for both grazing and silage conservation. The tyres used were 650/75 R38 on the rear and 600/70R28 on the front, with wider tyres 900/70 R42 on the rear and 710/55 R30 on the front axles for comparison. Measurements identified the areas affected by the tyres, included the degree of soil compaction and damage to the crop. The results proved the wider the tyre, although creating a wider track, compacted a lower volume of soil when compared to the narrower tyre. The narrower tyre width compacted the soil to a greater depth where compaction is more difficult to relieve without disturbing the soil structure.