Evaluation of Changes in Soil Compaction Due to the Passage of Combine Harvester

Abstract

This paper concerns the results of changes in soil compaction after the passages of combine harvester. The research was done on the maize-stubble; the soil was the mold formed in the sand. The measured parameter was a penetration of resistance in range of depth 0–60 cm. The measurements were done in the ruts after the passages the front and rear wheel of combine harvester. During the experiment two levels of vertical load of wheels were applied – these levels were dependent on filling of grain tank of harvester. Moreover, the influence of the lateral tilt of harvester on the soil compaction was analyzed (the harvester was equipped with the leveling system which allowed to obtain the tilt). The obtained results shows that the increase in vertical load caused greater compaction in ruts. Furthermore, it was found that the passage of tilted harvester caused lower compaction than the harvester without tilt.