Soil compaction associated with typical farm machinery in Northern China

摘要

The objective of this study was to better understand the effects of typical farm machinery on soil compaction in Northern China and to take suitable measures to avoid soil compaction. Spring wheat seedbeds were selected as experiment plots, and were wheeled side by side using small tractor, large tractor and combine harvester, respectively. Soil bulk density was measured and analysis of variance was conducted to compare the differences of soil compaction associated with different farm machinery. Results showed that depth of soil compaction by large tractor and combine harvester was below 300～400 mm (below plow layer), which had serious impact on crop establishment and growth. The suitable range of bulk density for major crop growth such as wheat and maize in Northern china was 1.1～1.4g.cm{sup}(-3), in which condition filed operation even using small tractor had significant effect on soil compaction. When crop was sensitive to bulk density, the consequence of soil compaction cannot be neglected. This situation needs to be improved in order to sustain agriculture development.