Impact of machine traffic on soil physical quality and corn yield in a Kandiustalf - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v31i2.7042

Abstract

Machinery traffic on soil generates compaction, modifying its physical quality and often resulting in yield decrease. This study evaluates the effect of machine traffic on soil physical quality and corn yield in a Kandiustalf. The experiment was a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 8 replications, with 14 m² plots. The treatments were: T₀) without traffic; T_1*) one pass of 3.0 t tractor, side by side; T₁) one pass; T₂) two passes; T₄) four passes; T₈) eight passes of a 8.0 t tractor. Master hybrid corn (Zea mays L.) was used, and its yield was evaluated. Porosity, soil bulk density, resistance to penetration, least limiting water range and relative soil bulk density were evaluated. Machine traffic compacted the soil up to 0.25 m deep and reduced corn yield up to 22%. The least limiting water range is an adequate indicator of soil physical quality for corn development. The relative soil density limiting to corn yield is 0.89.