Soil Compaction in the Field: A Constant Challenge

One of the key challenges to productive farming is the degradation of soil structure, which is closely linked to compaction. In modern agriculture, this issue is becoming more and more serious, with clear consequences for fertility, crop development, and the energy required for field operations. Soil compaction, a widely recognised problem, is mainly caused by the repeated use of heavy machinery over time. These machines compress the soil, reducing its porosity, permeability, and ability to store water. Around 33 million hectares worldwide are affected by compaction, and about 36% of all farmlands is considered highly vulnerable. In countries like Italy, the problem is made worse by low organic carbon levels in the soil and an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Soil compaction significantly reduces the land’s ability to hold water. During heavy rainfall, this leads to more surface runoff and less water filtering into the ground. As a result, plants have less water available, and the risk of both flooding and drought increases. Compacted soil also creates physical resistance, making it harder for roots to grow and spread, which limits their ability to absorb nutrients. These combined effects have a direct impact on agricultural productivity. In fact, crop yields have stagnated in many European regions since the 1990s, an issue closely linked to worsening soil conditions. Economically, the damage is substantial. Estimates suggest that soil compaction causes annual losses amounting to hundreds of millions of euros, due to both reduced harvests and flood-related damages. There are also hidden costs: increased greenhouse gas emissions and the deterioration of groundwater quality. As agricultural machinery continues to get heavier, the risk of compaction - and the economic fallout - is expected to grow, especially under the pressure of a changing climate.

Over the past few decades, farming has changed dramatically—not just in terms of techniques, but also due to the machines now used in the fields. One of the biggest shifts has been the sharp rise in the weight and wheel load of agricultural vehicles, which has serious implications for soil health. Numerous studies have shown how the growing pressure from heavy machinery is damaging soil structure. The numbers speak for themselves: since the 1960s, the wheel load of combine harvesters has increased more than fivefold. Today’s machines can exert more than 10 tonnes of pressure per wheel. This is leading to greater soil compaction, reducing porosity, decreasing the soil’s water-holding capacity, and creating increasingly hostile conditions for root growth.

Some agronomic studies are now re-evaluating the design standards for agricultural machinery. The trend toward increasingly large and heavy tractors, self-propelled machines, and equipment for tillage, seeding, and crop treatments is starting to be questioned. Researchers and agronomists are leaning toward lighter vehicles that would reduce soil impact and help preserve soil health. Even ballast weights on machines are being reconsidered as part of a broader shift away from heavy field operations toward conservation practices such as minimum or zero tillage. These approaches can improve soil conditions while cutting operational costs.

To prevent soil particle compression—which reduces porosity and increases bulk density, ultimately affecting the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties—various technological and agronomic solutions can be applied. These include field traffic management strategies and the use of advanced mechanical systems.

Among the most accessible solutions for farmers and agri-contractors is a careful assessment of traction systems and related technologies used on agricultural machinery. The best technology choice depends on farm needs, soil conditions, and crop types. Balancing costs and benefits is key to managing soil sustainably while maximising productivity. Investing in innovative tools and adopting targeted agronomic strategies can make a real difference in protecting soil quality and ensuring long-term sustainability. One significant innovation is the use of central tire inflation systems (CTIS), which allow operators to adjust tire pressure depending on the terrain and working conditions. On the road, higher pressure—between 2 and 10 bar—ensures stability and safety, while lower pressure in the field minimises compaction and improves traction. The main advantages of CTIS include better grip with reduced slippage, up to 16% lower rolling resistance (according to some studies), over 15% savings in fuel consumption, improved driving comfort, and extended tire life. In addition to CTIS, wide or low-pressure tires (VF and IF)—typically operating below 1 bar—help distribute machine weight more evenly and reduce compaction. Twin wheels, where two tires of equal diameter are paired, are another cost-effective option that increases ground contact area without a major investment. The use of rubber or steel tracks is among the most advanced solutions for minimising ground pressure. Thanks to their large contact surface, tracks improve traction and reduce sinkage, allowing optimal weight distribution across the soil. Stay with us to discover more solutions and innovations for a more sustainable agriculture!