tractor compaction of soil

wally b · Aug 23, 2013

I read somewhere sometime back that soil compaction was more complex than just a function of the weight of the tractor, and condition of the soil (wet, clay etc), namely that the rotational torque of the wheels working the soil and speed also play important roles.

Is there anywhere that I can learn more about this?

wally

Brendon-KS · Aug 23, 2013

One other big variable is the tire inflation pressure. Although at first it is tough to believe, the average soil compaction pressure under a tire equals the inflation pressure regardless of the weight that the tire is carrying. It starts to make more sense when you focus on the patch of rubber that is in contact with the ground and assume the tire carcass isn't carrying any weight. The total force acting downward from the air pressure on this patch of rubber must equal the total force acting upwards from the soil. Since the area top and bottom is the same, the pressure must also be the same. Obviously, you must also ignore the effects of the lugs but when you take an average from the whole contact patch the rule holds true. If you add weight without increasing inflation pressure the tire bulges and the size of the contact patch grows to match but the ground pressure doesn't increase.

However, this does not tell you how deep the compaction travels down into the soil. This is where the contact patch size, soil conditions, and other factors come into play.

Bret4207 · Aug 25, 2013

There are probably numerous studies that have been done by various colleges, equipment concerns, etc. Where you'd find them I don't know. I do know that you can tell the difference in my fields where I've driven and haven't even if it's bone dry and I use a light tractor.

tractor compaction of soil

wally b

Member

Brendon-KS

Well-known Member

Bret4207

Well-known Member

Similar threads