Effect of Soil Compaction and Bulk Density on the Growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max) on Sandy Clay Loam Soil of the Semi-arid Region of Northern Nigeria as Influenced by Tractor Wheel Traffic

Soil compaction from farm machinery is an environmental problem. The effect of compaction on plant growth and yield depends on the crop grown and the environmental conditions that crop encounters. The effect of compaction from tractor traffic on soybean (Glycine max), variety TGX1448-2E, on a sandy clay loam soil in the semi-arid region of northern Nigeria was investigated for two growing seasons, 2015 and 2016. A randomized complete block design of the field of plots with treatments of 0,5,10, 15 and 20 passes of a tractor MF 390 was used. Each treatment was replicated three times. The soil bulk density, penetration resistance and soil moisture content for each applied load were measured and the yield from each treatment was determined. Agronomic treatments were kept the same for all plots in both 2015 and 2016. Results showed increased soil bulk density, penetration resistance and soil moisture content with increased tractor passes. Highest grain yield was obtained at 5 tractor passes with a mean bulk density of 1.76 Mgm,-3 penetration resistance 1.70 MPa and moisture content 13.37% with a mean yield of 2568 kgha-1 and lowest was obtained from 20 tractor passes were 340 kgha-1. Statistical models were used to predict yield as a function of bulk density, penetration resistance, moisture content, contact pressure, and a number of tractor traffic passes. Grain yield with respect to moisture content gave the best yield prediction (r2 = 0.94).

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Draft Requirement of Two Animal - Drawn Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Weeders

Journal of Engineering Research and Reports ◽

10.9734/jerr/2020/v10i317039 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 14-20

Author(s):

Y. A. Unguwanrimi ◽

A. M. Sada ◽

G. N. Ugama ◽

H. S. Garuba ◽

A. Ugoani

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Soil Moisture Content ◽

Agricultural Research ◽

Soil Samples ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

Experimental Plot ◽

Moisture Contents ◽

Loam Soil

Draft requirements of two animal – drawn (IAR) weeders operating on loam soil were determined in the study. The implements include a straddle row weeder and an emcot attached rotary weeder evaluated under the same soil conditions, using a pair of white Fulani breed of oxen. The animal draft requirement was first estimated from the animal ergonomics measurements. Using area of 0.054 hectare as experimental plot for each implement the draft requirement of each implement was investigated after taking soil samples for soil moisture content and bulk density determinations. The implements tested showed variation in their average draft requirement. The straddle row weeder had the highest value of 338.15 N respectively while the emcot attached rotary weeder had the lowest value of 188.12 N with 47.03%, respectively. The average soil moisture contents and bulk density were 13.0% and 1.46%/cm3, respectively.

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Soil compaction under varying rest periods and levels of mechanical disturbance in a rotational grazing system

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/cjss2011-026 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 91 (6) ◽

pp. 957-964 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

C. Halde ◽

A. M. Hammermeister ◽

N. L. Mclean ◽

K. T. Webb ◽

R. C. Martin

Keyword(s):

Bulk Density ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Penetration Resistance ◽

Soil Bulk Density ◽

Intensive Treatment ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Pasture Management ◽

Soil Penetration Resistance ◽

Rest Periods ◽

Grazing System

Halde, C., Hammermeister, A. M., McLean, N. L., Webb, K. T. and Martin, R. C. 2011. Soil compaction under varying rest periods and levels of mechanical disturbance in a rotational grazing system. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 957–964. In Atlantic Canada, data are limited regarding the effect of grazing systems on soil compaction. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of intensive and extensive rotational pasture management treatments on soil bulk density, soil penetration resistance, forage productivity and litter accumulation. The study was conducted on a fine sandy loam pasture in Truro, Nova Scotia. Each of the eight paddocks was divided into three rotational pasture management treatments: intensive, semi-intensive and extensive. Mowing and clipping were more frequent in the intensive than in the semi-intensive treatment. In the extensive treatment, by virtue of grazing in alternate rotations, the rest period was doubled than that of the intensive and semi-intensive treatments. Both soil bulk density (0–5 cm) and penetration resistance (0–25.5 cm) were significantly higher in the intensive treatment than in the extensive treatment, for all seasons. Over winter, bulk density decreased significantly by 6.8 and 3.8% at 0–5 and 5–10 cm, respectively. A decrease ranging between 40.5 and 4.0% was observed for soil penetration resistance over winter, at 0–1.5 cm and 24.0–25.5 cm, respectively. The intensive and semi-intensive treatments produced significantly more available forage for grazers annually than the extensive treatment. Forage yields in late May to early June were negatively correlated with spring bulk density.

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Silage maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings emergence as influenced by soil compaction treatments and contact pressures

Plant Soil and Environment ◽

10.17221/3588-pse ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 51 (No, 7) ◽

pp. 289-295 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

O.F. Taser ◽

O. Kara

Keyword(s):

Bulk Density ◽

Contact Pressure ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Field Experiments ◽

Penetration Resistance ◽

Mean Value ◽

Control Treatment ◽

Silage Maize ◽

Loam Soil ◽

Contact Pressures

Soil compaction caused by mechanical force affects the vegetative and generative plant growth. Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of soil compaction treatments and soil contact pressures on bulk density, penetration resistance and silage maize emergence in a clay-loam soil. Soil compaction treatments were applied while planting as follows: Compaction on furrow surface (F-surface), compaction on furrow bottom (F-bottom), compaction on inter row (I-row), and non-extra compaction as a control (C). The soil contact pressures of 0.025, 0.051 and 0.076 MPa were applied while the control was 0.0085 MPa. Significant differences between soil compaction treatments and contact pressures were recorded in bulk density, penetration resistance and silage maize emergence. Percentage of emerged seedlings increased as the soil contact pressure was increased slightly. The lowest mean percentage of emerged seedlings (52.63%) was obtained with 0.076 MPa contact pressure in F-surface treatment and the highest mean value (81.58%) was obtained with 0.025 MPa contact pressure in F-bottom compaction treatment. The control treatment gave the 69% mean value under the non-irrigated condition.

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Impacts of grazing systems on soil compaction and pasture production in Alberta

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/s01-008 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 82 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

N. T. Donkor ◽

J. V. Gedir ◽

R. J. Hudson ◽

E. W. Bork ◽

D. S. Chanasyk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Moisture Content ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Cervus Elaphus ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Penetration Resistance ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Pasture Production ◽

Grassland Ecosystems ◽

Moist Condition ◽

Grazing Systems

Livestock trampling impacts have been assessed in many Alberta grassland ecosystems, but the impacts of animal trampling on Aspen Boreal ecosystems have not been documented. This study compared the effects of high intensity [4.16 animal unit month per ha (AUM) ha-1] short-duration grazing (SDG) versus moderate intensity (2.08 AUM ha-1) continuous grazing (CG) by wapiti (Cervus elaphus canadensis) on soil compaction as measured by bulk density at field moist condition (Dbf) and penetration resistance (PR). Herbage phytomass was also measured on grazed pastures and compared to an ungrazed control (UNG). The study was conducted at Edmonton, Alberta, on a Dark Gray Luvisolic soil of loam texture. Sampling was conducted in the spring and fall of 1997 and 1998. Soil cores were collected at 2.5-cm intervals to a depth of 15-cm for measurement of bulk density (Dbf) and moisture content. Penetration resistance to 15 cm at 2.5-cm intervals was measured with a hand-pushed cone penetrometer. The Dbf and PR of the top 10-cm of soil were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater by 15 and 17% under SDG than CG, respectively, by wapiti. Generally, Dbf in both grazing treatments decreased over winter at the 0-7.5 cm and 12.5-15 cm depths, suggesting that freeze-thaw cycles over the winter alleviated compaction. Soil water content under SDG was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than CG. Total standing crop and fallen litter were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater in CG treatment than the SDG. The SDG treatment had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) less pasture herbage than CG areas in the spring (16%) and fall (26%) of 1997, and in the spring (22%) and fall (24%) of 1998, respectively. The SDG did not show any advantage over CG in improving soil physical characteristics and herbage production. Key Words: Bulk density, Cervus elaphus, moisture content, penetration resistance, pasture production

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EFFECT OF SOIL COMPACTION AND STERILIZATION ON ROOT ROT DISEASE AND YIELD OF CANNING PEAS

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/cjps83-035 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

pp. 327-331 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

B. VIGIER ◽

G. S. V. RAGHAVAN ◽

G. DRAKE

Keyword(s):

Root Rot ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Soil Bulk Density ◽

Clay Loam ◽

Yield Losses ◽

Clay Loam Soil ◽

Common Root Rot ◽

Pisum Sativum L ◽

Loam Soil ◽

Rot Disease

Soil compaction in Richelieu clay-loam and Ste-Rosalie clay soils appeared to be more critical than common root rot in reducing yield of canning peas (Pisum sativum L.) as demonstrated by the two sets of greenhouse experiments. While quantifying yield losses, a 34% loss was attributed to root rot and a 52% fresh pea loss to higher soil bulk density in clay-loam soil. Similar quantification was difficult to obtain for clay soil.Key words: Peas, soil compaction, root rot

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Soil compaction of various Central European forest soils caused by traffic of forestry machines with various chassis

Forest Systems ◽

10.5424/fs/2015243-07541 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. e038 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Michal Allman ◽

Martin Jankovský ◽

Valéria Messingerová ◽

Zuzana Allmanová ◽

Michal Ferenčík

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Soil Moisture Content ◽

Standard Test ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Moisture Content Level ◽

European Forest

Aim of study: The primary objective of this paper was to compare the effects of different types of forestry machine chassis on the compaction of the top layers of soil and to define the soil moisture content level, at which machine traffic results in maximum compaction.Area of study: Measurements were conducted in eight forest stands located in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The soil types in the stands subjected to the study were luvisols, stagnosols, cambisols, and rendzinas.Material and Methods: The measurements were focused on tracked and wheeled (equipped with low pressure tyres) cut-to-length machines, and skidders equipped with wide and standard tyres. The bulk density of soil was determined from soil samples extracted from the ruts, the centre of the skid trail, and the undisturbed stand. To determine soil moisture content, at which the soil is the most susceptible to compaction, the Proctor standard test was employed.Main results: The moisture content for maximal compaction fluctuated from 12% to 34.06%. Wheeled machines compacted the soil to 1.24 – 1.36 g.cm-3 (30.3 – 35.4 % compaction) in dried state. Bulk density of soil in stands where tracked machine operated was lower, ranging from 1.02 to 1.06 g.cm-3 (25.3 % compaction).Research highlights: All wheeled machines caused the same amount of soil compaction in the ruts, despite differences in tyres, machine weight, etc. Maximum compaction caused by forestry machines occurred at minimal moisture contents, easily achievable in European climatic conditions. Keywords: soil compaction; bulk density; soil moisture content limits; cut-to-length machines; skidders.

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Silage-corn harvesting machinery traffic effects on soil bulk density and water permeability

Research in Agricultural Engineering ◽

10.17221/2/2013-rae ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 59 (No. 4) ◽

pp. 136-140

Author(s):

I. Ahmadi ◽

H. Ghaur

Keyword(s):

Bulk Density ◽

Water Permeability ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Field Experiments ◽

Soil Bulk Density ◽

Soil Sampling ◽

Soil Porosity ◽

Silty Clay ◽

Water Permeability Coefficient ◽

Loam Soil

Soil compaction caused by machinery traffic affects the growth of agricultural crops and also has environmental effects like soil damage and erosion. Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of repeated silage-corn harvesting machinery traffic on dry soil bulk density and porosity variations at three different sampling depths, moreover average water permeability coefficient of the examined silty clay loam soil was measured using the falling head method of water permeability test. The examined treatments which were applied while harvesting silage-corn with the combination of tractor, chopper and truck were the number of traffic passes and depths of soil sampling. Significant differences between soil compaction treatments were observed in bulk density and porosity of soil. Numerically, 22% increase in soil bulk density and 19% reduction in soil porosity were recorded due to the effect of two passes of the examined machineries over the field terrain comparing to the non-traffic treatment. Moreover; soil sampling at 0–10 cm and 20–30 cm depths resulted in the highest and the lowest soil porosity respectively.

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Machinery-Induced Damage to Soil and Remaining Forest Stands—Case Study from Slovakia

Forests ◽

10.3390/f11121289 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 1289

Author(s):

Zuzana Dudáková (Allmanová) ◽

Michal Allman ◽

Ján Merganič ◽

Katarína Merganičová

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Soil Moisture Content ◽

Soil Bulk Density ◽

Forest Stands ◽

Forest Operations ◽

Factorial Anova ◽

Size Type ◽

The Impact

The paper deals with the damage of the remaining stand and soil caused by harvesting using three ground-based forest operations methods (harvester-forwarder/cable skidder/animal-tractor). It compares the impact of the most common harvesting technologies applied in Slovakia and in Central Europe and thus contributes with valuable information to the knowledge on the suitability of their application in forests stands dominated by broadleaved tree species. Harvesting was performed in five forest stands located at the University Forest Enterprise of Technical University in Zvolen in central Slovakia from August to October 2019. Damage to remaining trees was assessed from the point of its size, type, and position of damage along stem. We expected lower damage of remaining trees in stands where harvesters were used because of the applied cut-to-length short wood system and fully mechanized harvesting system. In addition, we examined soil bulk density and soil moisture content in ruts, space between ruts, and in undisturbed stand to reveal the impact of harvesting machinery on soil. We expected greater soil bulk densities and lower soil moisture content in these stands due to the greatest weight of harvesters and in ruts created by machinery compared with undisturbed stand soil. The highest percentage of damaged remaining trees equal to 20.47% and 23.36% was recorded for harvester forest operations, followed by skidder (19.44%) and animal forest operations with 19.86% and 14.47%. Factorial ANOVA confirmed significant higher soil compaction in stands where harvesters were used (higer bulk density) than in stands where skidding was performed with the skidder and animal power. Higher soil moisture content was recorded in ruts created by harvesters and the skidder. The lowest soil moisture content was in undisturbed stands irrespective of the applied forest operation method.

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Effect of Harvest Timing and Soil Moisture Content on Compaction, Growth and Harvest Yield in a Miscanthus Cropping System

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture8100148 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 148 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael O’Flynn ◽

John Finnan ◽

Edna Curley ◽

Kevin McDonnell

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Soil Moisture Content ◽

Biomass Yield ◽

Penetration Resistance ◽

Yield Losses ◽

Dry Soil ◽

Early Harvest ◽

Shoot Emergence

Harvesting Miscanthus × giganteus (J.M. Greef & Deuter ex Hodkinson & Renvoize) after shoot emergence is known to reduce yields in subsequent seasons. This research was conducted in Miscanthus to assess the effects on crop response and soil compaction of annually repeated traffic, applied both before new growth in the rhizomes (early harvest) and after shoot emergence (late harvest), at two different soil moisture contents. While an annual early harvest, yields more than a late harvest, because damage to new shoots is avoided, soil compaction may be increased following repeated harvests. Five treatments were tested: (a) An untrafficked control, (b) early-traffic on soil with typical soil moisture content (SMC) (early-normal), (c) early-traffic on soil with elevated SMC (early-elevated), (d) late-traffic on soil with typical SMC (late-normal) and (e) late-traffic on soil with elevated SMC (late-wet). The experiment was conducted on a Gleysol in Co. Dublin, Ireland during 2010 and 2011. Crop response effects were assessed by measuring stem numbers, stem height, trafficked zone biomass yield (November) and overall stem yield (January). Compaction effects were assessed by measuring penetration resistance, bulk density and water infiltration rate. Trafficked zone biomass yield in the early-dry and early-wet treatments was, respectively, 18% and 23% lower than in the control, but was, respectively, 39% and 31% higher than in the late-dry treatment. Overall, stem yield was significantly lower in the late-normal and late-wet treatments (10.4 and 10.1 tdm ha−1 respectively) when compared with the control (12.4 tdm ha−1), but no significant difference was recorded in overall stem yield between both early-traffic treatments and the control. Penetration resistance values were significantly higher in all trafficked treatments when compared with the control at depths of 0.15 m (≥54–61%) and 0.30 m (≥27–57%) and were significantly higher in 2011 when compared with 2010 at depths of 0.15 and 0.30 m. Baler system traffic in Miscanthus significantly reduced yields and significantly increased compaction annually. Miscanthus harvested early, on a dry soil, yielded 1.1 tdm ha−1 more than when harvested late on a dry soil. The yield advantage increased to 1.3 tdm ha−1 when early harvesting on a soil with 40–43% moisture content was compared with late harvesting on a wetter soil (51–52% moisture content). In this study, the magnitude of yield losses from compaction or other causes in early harvests was substantially lower than the yield losses, which resulted from shoot damage in late harvests. It is likely in similar climates that the results of this study would also apply to other perennial crops growing in similar soil types.

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