The effects of different axle loads on the yields of silage maize were compared on sandy soils at four locations in the Netherlands over the period 1983-1986. The same traffic intensity resulted in changes in bulk density, cone resistance and crop reactions in several types of sandy soil. Depending on the soil profile and weather conditions during the growing season, the heavy axle loads reduced yields by up to 38%. Average yield reductions were 15% with an axle load of 10 Mg and 4% with an axle load of 5 Mg. It is estimated that traffic-induced soil compaction reduces the total production of Dutch silage maize by 7%.