Compaction of a Eutric Cambisol under heavy wheel traffic in Switzerland:: Field data and a critical state soil mechanics model approach

Subsoil compaction has become a problem of world-wide concern, especially under highly mechanised agricultural practices. Severe structural degradation impedes plant growth. Therefore, compaction must be limited to layers which can be structurally reclaimed with reasonable effort by tillage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a single pass with a sugar beet harvester on the soil properties of an unploughed Eutric Cambisol. In autumn 1998 and 1999 field measurements and laboratory testing were carried out in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. The wheel loads were 107 kN in 1998 and 108 kN in 1999. Changes of bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity and pre-consolidation pressure show that compaction effects were restricted to the topsoil (0–0.25 m depth). Below 0.25 m depth no changes were measured. The compaction beneath the tyre was modelled with a two phase finite element model in the framework of critical state soil mechanics. The model predicts the degree and depth of compaction of an Eutric Cambisol caused by a single pass in Switzerland. Modelled data and field results agree quite well.