Effects of Tractor Capacity on Soil Physical Properties

Abstract

Tractors of different capacities and models are imported into Nigeria by the different tiers of government on a regular basis. These tractors impose different loads on the soil which may be deleterious to crop development and growth. There is the need to ascertain the effect of the tractors capacities on soil physical properties in order to recommend appropriate capacities for different soils. Field tests were conducted for 32 different farm tractors varying in capacity in three geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Ploughing which is the primary tillage operation was the only tillage operation considered for this study. The soil physical properties measured include bulk density, moisture content and cone index. Results obtained from measured soil parameters before and after ploughing operations, using paired sample statistics and paired sample test, revealed that cone index generally decreased after tillage operation, while bulk density and moisture content increased. It could be concluded that most of the tractors tested had significant effects on the soil physical properties after tillage.