Minimizing soil compaction is necessary for any farmer using heavy agricultural equipment in their fields. With the right tires, proper inflation, load management, and maintenance, it’s simple!
• What Is Soil Compaction?
• 4 Ways to Reduce Soil Compaction
• Soil Compaction FAQS
• Make Sure You Have the Right Tires for the Job!
Soil compaction is where the particles in your soil are pressed together, reducing the available space between pores for water and air. Heavy agricultural equipment, foot traffic, stock trampling, and wet weather can all contribute to soil compaction and reduce permeability, aeration, and root development.
• It worsens when the soil is wet
• It increases flooding
• It reduces root development
• It reduces crop yield
• It can cause erosion
1. Choose the right tire
Did you know 80-85% of soil compaction happens during your tractor’s first pass? That’s why it’s necessary that you have the right tires for the job. Radial tractor tires are known for their ability to limit soil compaction and can carry heavier loads at lower inflation, creating a larger, more uniform footprint. Radial tire tread designs also offer improved traction so you won’t have to worry about grinding or slipping on the soil.
Explore Wonderland Tire’s radial tire selection!
2. Keep your tires properly inflated
Proper inflation is crucial for reducing soil compaction. When you overinflate your tires, they end up having a small surface contact area, causing high surface stress and high slippage. This is why taller, wider tires with lower inflation help to limit soil compaction—they increase surface contact and traction while decreasing surface stress.
3. Minimize the load on your axles
Each axle can typically hold less than 10 tons, but you should check your manufacturer’s load table to know for sure. Reducing the load on each axle will save your crops and tires in the long run, even if you have to run several small loads instead.
4. Maintain your tires
It’s important to make sure your tires are actually up for the job. Here are seven tractor tire maintenance tips you can follow to protect both you and your soil when you’re out on the fields:
1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You can find the required PSI on your tire by the bead, where the metal rim of the wheel and the tire meet. To check the air pressure, remove the cap from the tire valve stem and press a tire pressure gauge onto the nozzle. The gauge will help you determine if your tire needs more or less air.
2. Inspect your tires’ sidewalls. If you find damages like cracks, cuts, or punctures, it’s probably time to repair or replace your tires. If you’re not sure, talk to a professional.
3. Check your tires’ tread depth. Use an Ag Tire Tread Depth Gauge to take an accurate measurement. Because tractor tires are much larger than vehicle tires, it’s important to take several measurements around the tire, add the readings together, and divide by the total number of measurements you took to get a single data point. If you find that the tread depth has decreased below 20% of its original depth, it may be time for a replacement.
4. Replace tires with obvious damage. For your safety, tires with exposed body plies or belts need to be replaced immediately. Need on-site assistance? Wonderland Tire will meet you where you’re at! Check out our off-road services.
5. Ensure there’s no gap between your lugs and the ground. If you find that there’s space between your lugs and the ground, you may need to add a liquid ballast to your tires. The extra weight helps press the tires into firmer contact with the soil. Learn more about liquid ballast.
6. Inspect your valve stems. Cracks or corrosion on your valve stems could cause a slow leak and put you at risk for a blowout. If any damages are found, talk to a professional about replacing your valve stems.
7. Tighten all nuts and bolts. This ensures your wheels are secure and can withstand the immense stress and weight while driving.
The main causes of soil compaction on farms are heavy agricultural equipment use, foot traffic, stock trampling, and wet weather.
Lowering the tire inflation pressure in overinflated tires not only reduces surface compaction but also reduces fuel consumption and provides better traction.
It takes about 5-10 years for loose soil to compact naturally. However, rain and other types of water exposure can quicken the natural compaction process.
At Wonderland Tire, we only want what’s best for your equipment and ultimately your fields. We believe in pairing reliable products with unparalleled service, ensuring you have the support you need every step of the way. From a wide selection of top-tier brands to onsite services, trust Wonderland Tire to be your partner in agricultural success.
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