The tractor and soil compaction

These days we posted a video on our Instagram showing the watering of the newly planted seedlings of the Timburi Project with the help of a tractor. We received a question from @sucessonatural about whether this type of heavy vehicle compacts the soil.

The answer is yes: the tractor compacts the soil due to its weight.

As with everything else, the decisions we make regarding field operations are based on a cost-benefit analysis, that is, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a certain action and reflecting on which path to follow depending on the moment.

Regarding the tractor, it is important to learn to use it in the most responsible and conscious way possible, precisely because its use is directly related to soil compaction.

Some tips that we can give in relation to the tractor itself, talking specifically about the tires, is that they must have a wide tread. Depending on the soil, for example, if it is very clayey, opt for the filipino tire at the rear and with the widest axle possible to distribute your weight. Also, it is important to avoid driving the tractor into the planting area after the rain, as the soil is more easily compacted when wet.

The use of the tractor in agroforestry areas should only be done in the first weeks during and after planting for soil preparation operations, that is, when we are clearing, sowing or irrigating. That's because it's important to avoid using the tractor in places that we want to keep ground cover. After this period, when there is ground cover or biomass, it is very interesting to think about using a motorcycle with a trailer or other vehicles, such as pickup trucks, to walk between the lines.

In our project in Timburi, we are planting 100 hectares and the amount of water we need to water the seedlings is very large, so it is being transported with the tractor. So, despite some disadvantages, we chose to use the tractor for this operation during the first few weeks, until the seedlings are developing well and the ground cover is properly positioned. If you have a small area, this operation will not necessarily need the tractor and other options can be chosen. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and make assertive decisions that, in the end, are positive for you.

Thanks @sucessonatural for the question!

We also answer questions on our blog. Check out others here.

Learn more about agroforestry:
O que são espécies companheiras e antagônicas? Inspirados pela sugestão da Bárbara Abbondati por e-mail, hoje iremos falar um pouco... Keep reading
Espécies, mão de obra, maquinário e mercado, todos devem ser escolhidos e analisados dentro um planejamento detalhado para resultar no melhor custo-benefício e retorno.
Indispensáveis na agrofloresta, as espécies de serviço tem várias funções, mas uma das principais é a produção de biomassa.
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O que são espécies companheiras e antagônicas? Inspirados pela sugestão da Bárbara Abbondati por e-mail, hoje iremos falar um pouco...
Espécies, mão de obra, maquinário e mercado, todos devem ser escolhidos e analisados dentro um planejamento detalhado para resultar no melhor custo-benefício e retorno.
Indispensáveis na agrofloresta, as espécies de serviço tem várias funções, mas uma das principais é a produção de biomassa.

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