Effect Of Soil Compaction On Soil Physical Mechanical And Hydraulic Properties At Different Tyre Pressures

ABSTRACT

 The purpose of this study was to assess the effect land degradation from soil compaction has on the soil physical, mechanical and hydraulic properties, at different levels of tyre pressure. Field experiment was conducted in a tilled and compacted sandy loam soil under three different pressure levels and at different tractor passes to determine compaction effects on soil moisture content, bulk density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, infiltration rate and cone index. Four plots A, B, C, and D each of area 7.5 X 6.25m2were used. Plot A was compacted at a standard pressure of 20 X 7.5ps1 (l38kPa X 52kPa) Plot B served as the non-compacted, (Control) the remaining plots C and D were compacted at a reduced pressure of 15psi X 5 psi (103.3kPa X 34.5kPa) and increased pressure of 25psi X l2psi (172.4kPa X 83kPa), respectively using Massey Ferguson tractor model 375E. The four plots were replicated into 3 plots as Ai, A2,A3, B1, B2, B3, Ci, C2, C3, D1, D2, D3, and were subjected to 1, 2, and 3 passes on the compacted plots. The bulk density and penetration resistance were observed to increase with increase in pressure and number of passes. Also, porosity, infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity showed reduction at an increased pressure.