Effects of Tractor-Traffic Compaction on the Physical Properties of an Irrigated Soil in Southwestern Puerto Rico

Abstract

A short discussion on the effect of heavy traffic on soil physical properties is presented. Soil cores were taken at 0-3- and 4-7-inch depths from rows of plots trampled by heavy tractor traffic and also from adjacent untrampled rows. The following physical properties were investigated: Bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, quick drainage, maximum saturation, total porosity, and water removal and retention at pF 1.78. Quick-drainage values indicated compaction due to tractor tires. The soil in the rows subjected to heavy traffic was denser, required more effort to sample, and its porosity was reduced somewhat, but water retention at low tensions was not affected. The possibilities of deep tillage as a corrective measure are indicated, but stress is given to the development of sound preventive soil-management techniques.