A case study demonstrating the impact of tire inflation pressure and soil management practices on stress and compaction in agricultural soils

Abstract Soil compaction caused by heavy machinery is a critical challenge in modern agriculture, compromising essential soil functions such as water infiltration, aeration, and root growth. This study evaluated the effects of tire inflation pressure, wheel load, and soil management practices on soil stress and compaction in clay loam and sandy loam soils. Field experiments conducted in Southwestern Ontario measured soil stress at three depths (15, 30, and 50 cm) using Bolling probes, alongside analyses of soil bulk density, cone penetrometer readings, and organic carbon content. Increased stress transmission and greater compaction were observed under higher tire inflation pressures, particularly in poorly managed soils. Deflated tires reduced peak stress by approximately 40% at 15 cm compared to inflated tires, especially in well‐managed soils maintained through practices such as strip tillage and cover cropping. Rear wheels, which carried higher loads, exerted 30%–70% more stress than front wheels. Poorly managed soils exhibited limited stress dissipation, with only a 2:1 reduction in peak stress between 15‐ and 50‐cm depths and values exceeding 40 kPa at 50 cm in poorly managed clay loam. In contrast, well‐managed soils demonstrated greater attenuation of stress with depth, with reductions exceeding 10:1 from surface to subsoil layers. These findings highlight the need for integrated approaches combining optimized tire pressure, wheel load management, and sustainable soil practices to mitigate compaction risks and support long‐term agricultural productivity.