Hadas, A., Volcani Cent, Israel
Shmulevich, I., Volcani Cent, Israel
Hadas, O., Volcani Cent, Israel
Wolf, D., Volcani Cent, Israel

Soil compaction caused by agricultural machinery has become an acknowledged problem in reducing agricultural yields. Two modes of vehicular traffic patterns were used: conventional and wideframe tractors. The same tires, axle loads, and inflation pressures were used for traction units and implements used. Distinct yield reductions caused by soil compaction were noted and statistically quantified for the two-year experiment. The absolute yield reductions varied between the two-year records, but the trends and relative effects were the same. Use of a wideframe tractor brought an increase in yields as compared to those attained on conventional tractor trafficked plots. This yield increase is attributed to the larger non-compacted soil volume found under a wideframe tractor as compared to that under conventional tractor.