Agricultural Tractor Tire in Field
sculpture pneu MICHELIN AXIOBIB2
Soil compaction occurs when pressure from agricultural machinery compresses the soil, reducing the pore space between soil particles. Heavy equipment, repeated passes and wet soil conditions can all contribute to compaction.
Soil type, moisture levels, crop conditions and the load applied to the ground can influence how susceptible a field is to compaction. Repeated equipment traffic can further compress the soil, affecting aeration, water infiltration and root development.
Soil compaction can also create operational challenges. Compacted fields may require additional tillage or other remediation work, adding time, fuel use and operating costs.
Managing the pressure agricultural equipment applies to the soil can help limit compaction and protect field conditions.
Agricultural Field with Machinery Tracks
soil with tire tracks
Agricultural Tire Ruts in Soil
picture of a rut in a field
Rut formation occurs when agricultural equipment sinks into the soil and leaves deep tracks as it travels across the field. Ruts are more likely to form when soil is wet or soft and equipment is carrying heavy loads.
Deep ruts can disrupt field conditions, affect crop growth and interfere with water movement and drainage. They can also make subsequent field operations more difficult.
Rutting can increase rolling resistance, requiring equipment to use more energy and fuel to travel through the field. Severe ruts may also require additional fieldwork to restore the soil surface, adding time, fuel use and operating costs.
Reducing the pressure equipment applies to the ground and maintaining good tire traction can help limit rut formation, particularly in challenging soil conditions.
Reducing soil compaction starts with managing the pressure agricultural equipment applies to the ground. Lower tire inflation pressure can help reduce ground pressure, while the right tire footprint helps distribute the machine's load across a larger area.
Traction also matters. Excessive tire slip can disturb the soil and contribute to rut formation, particularly in difficult field conditions.
When choosing agricultural tires to help limit soil compaction and rutting, two important factors are tire footprint and the ability to operate at lower inflation pressures.
A larger tire footprint helps distribute the tractor’s load across a greater surface area. Depending on the tire and application, this can allow the tractor to operate at a lower inflation pressure while maintaining the required load capacity.
Wider tires can create a larger, shallower footprint, helping reduce pressure on the soil and limit compaction and rut formation. When changing tire dimensions, always make sure the selected size is compatible with your tractor and operating requirements.
Wide or large volume tires reduce pressure and provide better traction
The chart below compares the inflation pressure required for different tire sizes to carry the same 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) load in the field. In this example, the larger tire sizes can carry the same load at lower inflation pressures.*
This benefit can be further enhanced with Michelin UltraFlex Technology, which is designed to help agricultural tires carry heavy loads at lower inflation pressures.
Tractor Tire Footprint and Inflation Pressure
Michelin UltraFlex Technology uses a flexible tire casing designed to carry heavy loads at lower inflation pressures.
Operating at lower pressure can create a larger tire footprint, helping distribute the load across a greater surface area and reduce pressure on the soil. The larger footprint can also help improve traction and limit rut formation in challenging field conditions.
Michelin UltraFlex Technology is used in tires that meet IF (Improved Flexion) and VF (Very High Flexion) standards, providing options for agricultural equipment with different load and operating requirements.
Want to see how these differences can affect your operation? Use the Michelin UltraFlex Gains Calculator to compare the potential benefits for your equipment and operating conditions.
Choosing the right agricultural tires and operating them at the appropriate pressure can help reduce soil compaction and rut formation.
Two important factors to consider are:
These changes can also support better traction and more efficient field operation, particularly when soil conditions are challenging.
For the best results, choose tires that match your equipment, load and operating conditions, and use the appropriate inflation pressure for the work being performed.
Learn more about agriculture tire care, maintenance and performance with these Michelin resources:
Find more Michelin resources, guidance and tire solutions for farm operations.
* Based on tire pressure tab recommandation of the Michelin databook 2022.
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