Abstract:
Introducing loads onto the soil via pneumatic tyred equipment is the major cause of
compaction of agricultural soils, which causes damage to the soil-water-air-plant system. The
degree of soil compaction is largely influenced by the loads applied to the soil and resulting
surface and subsurface pressure. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to determine an
effective method to measure the pressure distribution under a selection of pneumatic
agricultural tyres on a hard surface and in the soil profile. As a result of this, it has been
possible to evaluate the influence of tyre inflation pressure, load, ply rating and tread pattern
on the resulting pressure. Also, the carcass stiffness of the tyres studied was determined and
alternative methods to predict the carcass stiffness were evaluated and an improved technique
was developed. Cont/d.
