Soil Compaction Due to Harvest Traffic in Sugarcane Fields on a Lajas Valley Farm of Puerto Rico

Abstract

Soil compaction tests were conducted on a farm in the Lajas Valley of Puerto Rico. Experiments were carried out in five fields of sugarcane to determine soil compaction caused in the center of furrows by a J & L harvester and in banks of ridges caused by loaded transport carts. Similar tests also were conducted in three additional fields to determine soil compaction caused by the harvester in the center of furrows at a moisture content close to field capacity. Penetrometer readings were taken at random in the center of furrows and in the banks of ridges before and after the passing of the load. Soil moisture content was determined in these locations by the oven-dry method. Soil compaction caused by the harvester was not severe under the conditions of the test, but the loaded transport carts caused considerable soil compaction in the bank of the ridges.