Effects Of Soil Compaction Research Articles

Using computed tomography images to characterize the effects of soil compaction resulting from large machinery on three-dimensional pore characteristics in an opencast coal mine dump

Purpose: The use of heavy machinery in mining areas increases during mining and dumping of waste soils, causing severe soil compaction and potentially affecting soil recovery. This study aimed to capture the features of complex compacted soil pore structure using computed tomography (CT) and to quantify soil pore distribution properties based on Minkowski theory. Materials and methods: A total of 45 cylindrical soil columns were extracted from different soil layer at 5 sampling sites that differed in compaction level in Pingshuo opencast coal mine in Shanxi Province of China. The penetration resistance at these sites ranged from 27.3 to 1023.1 kPa. Three-dimensional reconstruction software VGStudio was used to obtain the morphological characteristics (pore volume density, VD; surface density, SD; mean curvature density, MCD; and Euler number, EN) of soil pores after processing the X-ray scanned image. Results and discussion: Compaction generally reduced VD, SD, and MCD, which ranged from 0.10 to 0.20, 2.23 to 2.80 mm 2 mm −3 , and 10.75 to 15.64 mm mm −3 respectively in undisturbed site P0, whereas, they ranged from 0.02 to 0.07, 0.13 to 0.60 mm 2 mm −3 , and 1.61 to 4.27 mm mm −3 respectively in highly compacted site P4. The three index exhibited the similar trend, and decreased with the increase of compaction level. Soil compaction had positive effects on EN, which was low at the depth of 20- to 40-cm layers but showed an increasing trend with increasing soil compaction level. The value of EN varied from 28,878 to 129,861 in P0, whereas it varied from 1,169,967 to 2,281,998 in P4. Conclusions: All of macroporosity, mesoporosity, and microporosity were significantly affected by heavy machinery compaction, among which macroporosity exhibited the maximum decrease in P4 compared to that in P0 (P0 ranged from 14.2 to 26.4% and P4 ranged from 0.2 to 1.4%). The soil compaction in mining area significantly affected soil properties, thus artificial methods such as fertilizer application and deep tillage were needed.

Soil Class, Mechanical Impedance and Irrigation: Impact on Physiological Performance in Green Dwarf Coconut

The objective of this study was to assess the physiological aspects of young green dwarf coconut cultivated in greenhouse as a function of soil class and different compaction levels and moisture conditions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using a randomized complete block design with nine replications and with 32 treatments in a 2 × 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with two soil classes—Typic Kandiudult and Umbric Dystrochrept, four compaction levels and four soil moisture conditions. Leaf predawn water potential (Ψw), net photosynthetic (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rates (E) and growth traits were higher in coconut grown in Umbric Dystrochrept soil. Moreover, these plants showed the highest values of maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and leaf ‘greenness' (SPAD reading) was higher, but only in the lowest soil moisture condition, when compared with Typic Kandiudult. Higher soil moisture led to a higher Ψw for both soil classes. Close relationship between SPAD reading and the increase in soil moisture as well as between Fv/Fm and the increase in soil moisture for coconuts grown in Typic Kandiudult soil was observed. Furthermore, good correlations were observed between Ψw and the increase in soil moisture in coconuts grown in both soil classes as well as between Fv/Fm and the increase in soil density in coconuts grown in Typic Kandiudult soil. Effects of soil compaction were not observed on other physiological variables. Overall, green dwarf coconut trees grown in Umbric Dystrochrept soil allowed the higher water storage, which may contribute to increases in circumference, plant height, leaf area and dry weight (leaves, stem and root) linked to high photosynthetic rates.

Diffusive fluxes of phosphorus, potassium and metallic microelements as affected by soil compaction

ABSTRACTThe objective was to evaluate the effects of soil compaction on phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) diffusive fluxes. The experiment consisted of two Oxisols and eight compaction pressures. The soil samples were placed in diffusion chambers, simultaneously with two ion-exchange membranes (anionic and cationic), compressed and incubated for 20 days. The P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn diffusive fluxes (PDF, KDF, ZnDF, CuDF, FeDF, and MnDF) were determined. The compaction decreased the PDF in the oxidic-gibbsitic soil, and increased KDF, ZnDF, CuDF, and MnDF, in both soils. There was a higher diffusion of Zn, Cu, and Mn in the kaolinitic than the oxidic-gibbsitic soil. The descending order of cationic-microelement diffusive flux was MnDF > ZnDF ⋙ FeDF > CuDF. Presumably, Fe was mainly diffused as organic complexes with net negative charges, whereas Zn and Mn as free ions and, or, inorganic and organic complexes with positive charges.Abbreviations: CuDF, cupper diffusive flux; FeDF, iron diffusive flux; KDF, potassium diffusive flux; MnDF, manganese diffusive flux; PDF, phosphorus diffusive flux; ZnDF, zinc diffusive flux; AEM, anion-exchange membrane; CEM, cation-exchange membrane

Effects of Soil Compaction and Relative Light Intensity on Survival and Growth Performance of Planted Shorea macrophylla (de Vriese) in Riparian Forest along Kayan Ulu River, Sarawak, Malaysia

A study was conducted in riparian forest along Kayan Ulu River, Sarawak, Malaysia, to investigate the effects of soil compaction and relative light intensity (RLI) on survival and growth performance of planted Shorea macrophylla. The study sites were stands reforested in different years (1996: SPD96; 1997: SPD97; 1998: SPD98; 1999: SPD99). The survival, growth performance, soil compaction, and RLI were measured. SPD96 trees had the highest survival (84%) and showed the most favourable growth. Average height, mean annual increment in height, and RLI were highest in SPD97 while mean annual increment in volume was highest in SPD98. Soil compaction in SPD98 and SPD99 was higher as compared to SPD96 and SPD97. This was due to the compacted soils caused by anthropogenic activities and natural causes (wet soils) in riparian forest along Kayan Ulu River at shallow depth. High survival and favourable growth performance of S. macrophylla were influenced by the edaphic factor with special reference to less compacted soils and high RLI. Stepwise multiple regression demonstrated significant effects of soil penetration resistance at the depth of 0-30 cm and RLI on mean annual increment in diameter. Further ecological studies on other environmental factors should be implemented to draw up a Dipterocarp planting scheme for the future restoration of riparian ecosystem.

GAS EXCHANGE AND PHOTOCHEMICAL EFFICIENCY IN LIMA BEAN GENOTYPES GROWN IN COMPACTED SOILS

ABSTRACT The effects of soil compaction on crop growth and productivity have been well studied in recent years, however, studies on the physiological responses of crops to compaction are scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of soil compaction on gas exchange, and photochemical efficiency of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) genotypes of different growth habits. The experimental design was a randomized block in a 3×4 factorial arrangement, with three lima bean genotypes (Branca-Pequena, Orelha-de-Vó and Roxinha) and four compaction levels (soil densities of 1.1, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.7 g cm-3), with four replications. The following variables were evaluated at 38 days after sowing: photosynthetic rate (A), leaf transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (gs), internal CO2 concentration (Ci), instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE), intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (iCE) and photochemical efficiency (Fo, Fm, Fv and Fv/Fm). The data were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% probability by the F test. The genotypes showed a reduction in the photosynthetic rate with increasing soil compaction. The soil compaction affected the photochemical efficiency of the genotype Orelha-de-Vó, with the Fm and Fv fitting to the linear model, and the Fv/Fm fitting to the quadratic model. The genotype Orelha-de-Vó had the highest rate of E and gs at the soil densities of 1.24 and 1.29 g cm-3, respectively. Regarding the photosynthetic rate, the genotype Roxinha is more efficient than Branca-Pequena at the soil density of 1.7 g cm -3.

Numerical study on maximum reinforcement tensile forces in geosynthetic reinforced soil bridge abutments

This paper presents a numerical study of maximum reinforcement tensile forces for geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) bridge abutments. The backfill soil was characterized using a nonlinear elasto-plastic constitutive model that incorporates a hyperbolic stress-strain relationship with strain softening behavior and the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. The geogrid reinforcement was characterized using a hyperbolic load-strain-time constitutive model. The GRS bridge abutments were numerically constructed in stages, including soil compaction effects, and then loaded in stages to the service load condition (i.e., applied vertical stress = 200 kPa) and finally to the failure condition (i.e., vertical strain = 5%). A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of geogrid reinforcement, backfill soil, and abutment geometry on reinforcement tensile forces at the service load condition and failure condition. Results indicate that reinforcement vertical spacing and backfill soil friction angle have the most significant effects on magnitudes of maximum tensile forces at the service load condition. The locus of maximum tensile forces at the failure condition was found to be Y-shaped. Geogrid reinforcement parameters have little effect on the Y-shaped locus of the maximum tensile forces when no secondary reinforcement layers are included, backfill soil shear strength parameters have moderate effects, and abutment geometry parameters have significant effects.

On vertical dynamic stability and cross‐section optimization of closed‐ended hollow pile by considering soil compaction effects

SummaryThis paper conducts a comprehensive study on the effects of expansion force after pile driving on the vertical vibration of the hollow pile. The initial radially inhomogeneous strain field of soil in disturbed soil region and dynamic shear modulus of remolded soil are constructed by applying the cylindrical cavity expansion method. The equation governing the incremental motion of the soil is consequently deduced on the basis of incremental deformations superposed on an underlying finite deformation. The longitudinal impedance of the top of the pile and the velocity response in frequency and time domains are also numerically studied. The relations between the expansion force after pile driving and the velocity response of the pile with different wall thickness are discussed accordingly. The results suggest that a pile has a better dynamical stability when the characteristics of the section are optimized and interacting force with soil medium gets smaller.

Initial recovery of soil structure of a compacted forest soil can be enhanced by technical treatments and planting

Heavy harvesting leads to harmful soil compaction and negative effects of soil physical properties and rootability. We monitored the recovery of soil structure in a compacted forest soil, which had been treated with a combination of regeneration techniques (mulching, liming, planting of alder trees or a combination of those). Soil physical properties (relative apparent gas diffusion coefficient (Ds/D0), bulk density and the macropore volume) were measured in three successive campaigns, with two years between each, with fine root densities taken as a biological target variable.Distinct changes of soil physical properties were detected during the study period, mainly caused by the effects of the applied regeneration techniques. After four years, higher values of Ds/D0 and macropores indicated significant improvements of soil aeration in the topsoil. The deeper soil showed no distinct evidence of regeneration, regardless of the regeneration technique applied. However, rather a negative impact of mulching on soil physical properties was detected.The measured physical parameters, Ds/D0, bulk density and macropore volume correlate highly with observed fine root densities. In the topsoil, root density increases with increasing soil gas permeability, while in the deeper horizons only few macropores are occupied by fine roots for gas exchange.

Numerical Simulation of Deformation and Failure Behavior of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Bridge Abutments

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the deformation and failure behavior of geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) bridge abutments. The backfill soil was characterized using a nonlinear elastoplastic constitutive model that incorporates a hyperbolic stress–strain relationship with strain-softening behavior and the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. The geogrid reinforcement was characterized using a hyperbolic load–strain–time model. The abutments were numerically constructed in stages, including soil compaction effects, and then monotonically loaded in stages to failure. Simulation results indicate that a nonlinear reinforcement model is needed to characterize deformation behavior for high applied stress conditions. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of reinforcement, backfill soil, and abutment geometry on abutment deformation and failure behavior. Results indicate that reinforcement vertical spacing, reinforcement stiffness, backfill soil friction angle, and lower GRS wall height are the most significant parameters. The shape of the failure surface is controlled primarily by abutment geometry and can be approximated as bilinear.

Centennial Fertilization-Induced Soil Processes Control Trace Metal Dynamics. Lessons from a Long-Term Bare Fallow Experiment

Long-term bare fallow (LTBF) experiments with historical sample archives offer unique opportunities to study long-term impacts of anthropogenic activities on mineral soil fractions. In natural agro- and ecosystems, such impacts are often masked by organic matter due to its buffering action and rapid turnover. The 42-plot LTBF trial of INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique) started in Versailles (France) in 1928 to assess the impacts of prolonged application of fertilizers and amendments on the composition and properties of loamy soils. Here, we established geochemical budgets of major and trace elements on surface samples from 1929 and 2014 for four groups of treatments relevant for developed soil processes. We considered accompanying effects of soil compaction or decompaction due to changing physicochemical conditions over 85 years. Element losses from the surface horizon were quantified via fertilization-induced or -amplified soil processes: clay leaching favored by Na- or K-based fertilization, and lixiviation of major and trace elements in acidic or alkaline soil conditions. Enhanced mineral weathering was shown for acidified and nonamended plots. Conclusions on trace metal migration were confirmed by selected analyses on subsurface horizons. Additional information was provided on specific element inputs via fertilizers and/or diffuse inputs via atmospheric deposition.

Assessing the environmental impacts of soil compaction in Life Cycle Assessment

Maintaining biotic capacity is of key importance with regard to global food and biomass provision. One reason for productivity loss is soil compaction. In this paper, we use a statistical empirical model to assess long-term yield losses through soil compaction in a regionalized manner, with global coverage and for different agricultural production systems. To facilitate the application of the model, we provide an extensive dataset including crop production data (with 81 crops and corresponding production systems), related machinery application, as well as regionalized soil texture and soil moisture data. Yield loss is modeled for different levels of soil depth (0–25cm, 25–40cm and >40cm depth). This is of particular relevance since compaction in topsoil is classified as reversible in the short term (approximately four years), while recovery of subsoil layers takes much longer. We derive characterization factors quantifying the future average annual yield loss as a fraction of the current yield for 100years and applicable in Life Cycle Assessment studies of agricultural production. The results show that crops requiring enhanced machinery inputs, such as potatoes, have a major influence on soil compaction and yield losses, while differences between mechanized production systems (organic and integrated production) are small. The spatial variations of soil moisture and clay content are reflected in the results showing global hotspot regions especially susceptible to soil compaction, e.g. the South of Brazil, the Caribbean Islands, Central Africa, and the Maharashtra district of India. The impacts of soil compaction can be substantial, with highest annual yield losses in the range of 0.5% (95% percentile) due to one year of potato production (cumulated over 100y this corresponds to a one-time loss of 50% of the present yield). These modeling results demonstrate the necessity for including soil compaction effects in Life Cycle Impact Assessment.

Effects of soil compaction on the germination and survival of common prairie forbs and grasses in Wisconsin prairie revegetation

Effects of soil compaction on the germination and survival of common prairie forbs and grasses in Wisconsin prairie revegetation

Calculation of foundation settlement on a overconsolidated base

The article presents experimental and theoretical bases of overconsolidated soils deformation. The effect of preliminary soil compaction on its deformation under conditions of compression is shown. Based on this dependence, a method is proposed for calculating the foundation settlement on a overconsolidated base, taking into account the pre overburden pressure. The obtained method is compared with the results of the problem solution by the finite element method.

Individual and combined effects of soil waterlogging and compaction on physiological characteristics of wheat in southwestern China

The combined effects of soil waterlogging and compaction are important concerns in crop production. Two field experiments were performed over two seasons to examine the effects of soil waterlogging and high bulk density (BD) on the performance of winter wheat in terms of its agronomic and physiological traits. Trial 1 applied soil waterlogging at different stages (started at tillering, jointing, booting and anthesis). Trial 2 was conducted with soil waterlogging and compaction that created BD of the topsoil (1.6gcm−3). Resultsfrom trial 1 showed that the tillering stage was the most waterlogging-sensitive period. A 12% lower grain yield caused by waterlogging was primarily reflected in reductions in spike numbers. Waterlogging at jointing and booting stages reduced grain weight through decreased dry matter translocation. Resultsfrom the field trial 2 showed that soil compaction decreased grain yield by 4.8%, and waterlogging aggravated this reduction by 20.7% and 22.4% when fields were waterlogged for 2 weeks (WL2w) and 4 weeks (WL4w), respectively. A reduction in spike number from fewer tillers at stem elongation stage was the main reason for grain yield loss. Soil compaction combined with waterlogging duration did not affect root weight, but soil compaction reduced above ground biomass and root weight after the jointing stage. Furthermore, waterlogging accelerated leaf senescence, especially under compacted conditions, which significantly decreased photosynthetic capacity, resulting in a lower maximal PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), apparent electron transport rate (ETR), effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) and photochemical quenching (qP). Root weight was positively related to the total above ground biomass; whereas the final grain yield was not linearly related to the shoot weight. SPAD value correlated positively with yield and PSII parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv/F0). The study concluded that the tillering stage was most susceptible to waterlogging, and soil compaction combined with waterlogging at tillering stage had a larger harmful effect on root and shoot growth during or after waterlogging. SPAD readings may be a good surrogate for photosynthetic activity under waterlogging and compaction conditions.

Alleviation of Soil Compaction Effect by using Rice Straw under Different Moisture Contents

Alleviation of Soil Compaction Effect by using Rice Straw under Different Moisture Contents

Effects of soil compaction on growth variables in Cappadocian maple (Acer cappadocicum) seedlings

This study investigates the effects of increasing soil penetration resistance (SPR) on seedling morphology and seedling architecture. When seedlings of deciduous Cappadocian maple (Acer cappadocicum Gled.) were grown in a greenhouse in a loamy soil under a wide range of soil compactions, all morphological variables studied changed significantly with increasing SPR. The relationships between increasing SPR and all morphological responses except lateral root length followed a negative quadratic curve. All biomass variables except lateral root biomass showed a bell-shaped response with respect to SPR, with a maximum biomass variable between 0.6 and 1.2 MPa, decreasing at higher soil compaction values. All allocation ratios were significantly affected by soil penetration resistance. Biomass allocation to roots was also affected by soil compaction. There was not a significant relationship between the specific stem length and increasing soil penetration resistance. The specific root length showed two trends to increasing SPR; it first decreased in response to the moderate compaction treatment (up to about 1.2 MPa), then increased significantly. We concluded that increasing soil compaction caused morphological changes to root and shoot sections of A. cappadocicum seedlings.

The Effect of Wear and Soil Compaction on Kentucky Bluegrass Sod Rooting and Plant Recovery

Damage areas in sport fields from wear are often sodded before complete rooting. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of traffic (the combined effects of wear and soil compaction) on sod rooting. Poa pratensis L. sod was installed in September 2008 and 2009 on a silt loam and a sand rootzone at the University of Massachusetts‐Amherst. Treatments included a compaction and noncompaction soil and wear and nonwear treatments, which were evaluated under the influence of two soils. Compaction was applied using a plate Vibro‐Tamper prior to sodding and wear was applied with a steel brush. Wear was initiated 4 wk after sod installation in both years and applied six times. Wear injury and recovery was assessed using a 1 to 9 rating scale (9 = no injury), root initiations were measured by counts, and sod rooting strength was determined by lifting force. Wear significantly reduced sod rooting strength compared with nonwear. New root initiations and root biomass were significantly reduced by wear. Soil compaction significantly reduced root biomass below 7.5‐cm soil depth with no effect observed at the 0‐ to 7.5‐cm depth. Wear applied to sod on the silt loam achieved full recovery 45 d earlier in both years than sod grown on the sand rootzone. The effects of traffic on newly placed sod in the repair of damaged areas on athletic fields indicate that wear is the major stress limiting sod rooting, while soil compaction is secondary.

Artificial neural network applying for justification of tractors undercarriages parameters

One of the most important properties that determine undercarriage layout on design stage is the soil compaction effect. Existing domestic standards of undercarriages impact to soil do not meet modern agricultural requirements completely. The authors justify the need for analysis of traction and transportation machines travel systems and recommendations for these parameters applied to machines that are on design or modernization stage. The database of crawler agricultural tractors particularly in such parameters as traction class and basic operational weight, engine power rating, average ground pressure, square of track basic branch surface area was modeled. Meanwhile the considered machines were divided into two groups by producing countries: Europe/North America and Russian Federation/CIS. The main graphical dependences for every group of machines are plotted, and the conforming analytical dependences within the ranges with greatest concentration of machines are generated. To make the procedure of obtaining parameters of the soil panning by tractors easier it is expedient to use the program tool - artificial neural network (or perceptron). It is necessary to apply to the solution of this task multilayered perceptron - neutron network of direct distribution of signals (without feedback). To carry out the analysis of parameters of running systems taking into account parameters of the soil panning by them and to recommend the choice of these parameters for newly created machines. The program code of artificial neural network is developed. On the basis of the created base of tractors the artificial neural network was created and tested. Accumulated error was not more than 5 percent. These data indicate the results accuracy and tool reliability. It is possible by operating initial design-data base and using the designed artificial neural network to define missing parameters.

Reduction of the frequency of herbaceous roots as an effect of soil compaction induced by heavy grazing in rangelands of SW Spain

Rangelands in SW Spain constitute the most extensive ranching system on the Iberian Peninsula. During the last few decades, a significant increase in livestock numbers, along with a progressive substitution of cattle for sheep, have led to land degradation processes such as the reduction of grass cover and increased soil compaction in heavily grazed areas. Nevertheless, a better understanding of how soil compaction affects grass production is still needed. In this study, some of the effects of soil compaction due to heavy grazing are analysed, mainly the reduction of the frequency of herbaceous roots and its relationships with bulk density and soil penetration resistance. The study was carried out in 22 fenced areas grazed under different intensities (animal stocking rates: 0.19–15.76AUha−1). Undisturbed soil core and bulk samples were collected at 3 depth intervals in order to determine select soil properties (texture, organic matter content, and bulk density). Additionally, soil penetration resistance was quantified at 890 random points at different depths and soil moisture contents. Frequency of herbaceous roots was estimated for each soil horizon in 47 soil profiles and categorized into 4 classes: none, few, common and many. Results showed negative relationships between bulk density (>10cm depth) and the content of soil organic matter from 0 to 5cm (r=−0.061, p<0.05) and 5–10m depth (r=−0.824, p<0.005). Furthermore, a tendency for decreasing mean values of soil penetration resistance as the frequency of herbaceous roots increased was also observed. The values observed confirm that soil compaction provoked by an excessive number of animals reduced the quantity of herbaceous roots. The value of 2MPa traditionally accepted as restrictive for root growth is discussed. Findings presented here could be of interest for policy makers and farm owners to guide decisions about optimum animal stocking rates.

Numerical analysis of the soil compaction degree under multi-location tamping

Dynamic compaction (DC) is an efficient soil improvement technique. The previous numerical studies mainly focus on the soil response of single location tamping, but ignore the soil compaction degree under multilocation tamping. In this study, a numerical investigation of multi-location tamping in granular soils is carried out using three-dimensional (3D) finite element model (FEM). The behaviors of the granular soils are described by means of the viscoplastic cap model. The constitutive relationship of the soils is implemented into LS-DYNA and is integrated with 3D FEM for numerical investigation. Then utilizing the field data from the previous studies, we investigate the soil compaction degree at different stages by a case of two basic patterns, and discuss the cause of soil response. Lastly, we evaluate the effect of construction parameters on soil compaction. The simulation results show that the previous tamping affects the soil compaction degree beneath the adjacent tamping location, and the effect is greater near the side of previous location. Meanwhile, the soil compaction degree around the existing tamping crater weakens due to the adjacent tamping. Moreover, the rational selection of DC construction parameters can improve the soil compaction degree, and some hints on the effect of soil compaction are given.