Soil Compaction

Soil compaction and how to minimise it

Soil compaction is now recognised as a major problem in Australian agriculture, much more so than 10 years ago. It has an adverse affect on plant growth, root systems struggle to penetrate the compacted layer, and water and nutrients can't reach lower levels. There is also an increased risk of erosion.

Factors influencing soil compaction:

• Soil moisture
• Organic content
• Number of runs
• - cultivation methods
• - size of machines and implements
• Axle load
• Tyres
• - inflation pressure
• - contact area

Inflation pressure of tyres can cause compaction to 300 mm below the surface. Add on the axle load and compaction can reach 600 mm. Radial tyres reduce compaction. This maintains a better soil structure allowing greater absorption of moisture and nutrients and providing an improved environment for plant root development. The soil maintains its porosity and drains more effectively.

Strategies for reduction include reduced traffic, controlled traffic (tram lining), minimum/zero tillage and the use of low pressure, high flotation radial tyres. Fitting high flotation tyres is perhaps the quickest and easiest way of addressing the problem.

Armstrong Tyres can provide ready to bolt on wheel/tyre combinations to reduce the ground pressure of tractors and implements, whilst increasing traction. It's a win/win result. You take better care of your soil and put more power on the ground.