Vulnerability of Bavarian silt loam soil to compaction under heavy wheel traffic: impacts of tillage method and soil water content

Yavuzcan H. G., Matthies D., Auernhammer H.

SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH, vol.84, no.2, pp.200-215, 2005 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 84 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2005
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.still.2004.11.003
  • Journal Name: SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.200-215
  • Keywords: soil compaction, soil water content, tillage system, sugar beet harvester, soil properties, SUGAR-BEET HARVESTERS, SUBSOIL COMPACTION, SOUTHERN SWEDEN, PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES, CENTRAL ANATOLIA, CROP YIELD, AXLE LOAD, LONG-TERM, MODEL, ENVIRONMENT
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Soil compaction caused by traffic of heavy vehicles and machinery has become a problem of world-wide concern. The aims of this study were to evaluate and compare the changes in bulk density, soil strength, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity and air permeability during sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) harvesting on a typical Bavarian soil (Regosol) as well as to assess the most appropriate variable factors that fit with the effective controlling of subsequent compaction. The field experiments, measurements and laboratory testing were carried out in Freising, Germany. Two tillage systems (conventional plough tillage and reduced chisel tillage) were used in the experiments. The soil water contents were adjusted to 0.17 g g(-1) (w(1)), 0.27 g g(-1) (w(2)) and 0.35 g g(-1) (w(3)).