TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC-FEASIBILITY OF LOW GROUND PRESSURE RUNNING GEAR

To reduce the environmental impact of traffic-induced overcompaction of soils, on-farm solutions are needed. The use of low ground pressure field traffic systems is a rational way to manage soil compaction. The adoption of such systems by farmers strongly depends on their technical feasibility and the costs involved in their implementation. Therefore, this paper focuses on technical and economic feasibility of low ground pressure field traffic systems. Experiments in the Netherlands and in the former German Democratic Republic showed that practical, cost-effective on-farm application of such systems is possible. Low ground pressure running gear has the potential to prevent undesired soil overcompaction and also has potential positive effects on farm income.