Grain Cart Compaction Impact

• Soil compaction poses a large threat in potential yield reduction in row crop operations across the globe. • The tractor and grain cart is the heaviest piece of machinery pulled through a field, making it the most likely to leave highest level of compaction

Grain Cart Compaction Impact

Many factors influence the yield. Harvest is a busy time, and often there is not clear direction or guidance on where to drive or not drive the Grain Cart or other heavy equipment. Path of travel is something that could be changed by educating operators and growers on the benefits and tools they can use. Traffic in the field has inconsistent patterns across the field to minimize time to and from the combine. It is not clear where to place the “path” to the loading area. The heavy axle loads when full can and do contribute to compaction. It is not clear the impacts of compaction from grain cart traffic through the field on a micro or macro level as it relates to yield. It is expected there would be some benefit from having a recommended more controlled path of travel in a given field. The combination of where the cart goes and does not go empty or full and the soil conditions contribute to soil health deterioration and yield drag

Grain Cart Compaction Impact

• Soil compaction poses a large threat in potential yield reduction in row crop operations across the globe. • The tractor and grain cart is the heaviest piece of machinery pulled through a field, making it the most likely to leave highest level of compaction.</p

Grain Cart Compaction Impact

Many factors influence the yield. Harvest is a busy time, and often there is not clear direction or guidance on where to drive or not drive the Grain Cart or other heavy equipment. Path of travel is something that could be changed by educating operators and growers on the benefits and tools they can use. Traffic in the field has inconsistent patterns across the field to minimize time to and from the combine. It is not clear where to place the “path” to the loading area. The heavy axle loads when full can and do contribute to compaction. It is not clear the impacts of compaction from grain cart traffic through the field on a micro or macro level as it relates to yield. It is expected there would be some benefit from having a recommended more controlled path of travel in a given field. The combination of where the cart goes and does not go empty or full and the soil conditions contribute to soil health deterioration and yield drag. </p