The long-term Traffic & Tillage project aims to evaluate the benefits of reducing the impact of agricultural field traffic for a range of tillage depths/systems (deep 250mm, shallow 100mm and zero/no tillage) on soil structure and health, crop growth and yield, and farm economics. As the project has run since 2011, in recent months the industry partners asked for the project’s scientific findings to be translated into a practical guide for farmers on reducing soil compaction. The guide presents the key long-term findings and includes practical advice on reducing the effect of agricultural field traffic on soils by comparing Low Ground Pressure tyres and implementing Controlled Traffic Systems with standard tyre pressure non-controlled traffic systems. Both options have strong advantages and a good role for improved soil management, generating keen interest amongst the farming community. The Guide was launched in December 2024 at the Soil and Water Management Conference, which was followed by a workshop run by farmers to share their practical experience of soil compaction and how they have been able to reduce it.
Why is it important, and what does it mean for farmers?
With the increase in machinery size and weight, weather extremes and low soil resilience, soil compaction is a major problem on many farms. As a result, many farmers are actively looking for solutions, are keen to learn and exchange ideas. The Farmers’ Guide has been prepared to help inform the farming community, industry and policy makers when they are attempting to reduce soil compaction.
The guide can be found here.
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