Effect of axle load, tire inflation pressure, and tillage system on soil physical properties and crop yield of a Jordanian soil

The effects of tillage treatment, tire inflation pressure, and vehicle axle load resulting from wheeled traffic on soil rifled in the fall were evaluated by measuring the changes in soil physical properties (bulk density air porosity, and infiltration rate) and by measuring changes in crop yield in comparison with controlled plots. Results included the effects of these parameters and their interactions at four depths (0 to 40 cm) on soil bulk density and soil air porosity. Also, infiltration rate measurements for all treatments and for control plots are reported. Data obtained from the experimental plots showed that infiltration rate was strongly affected by tillage treatments from 0 to 20 cm. Dry bulk density and air porosity were affected from 0 to 20 cm by tillage treatments and from 20 to 40 cm by tire inflation pressure and axle load. The crop (barley) response in terms of yield was found to be affected by tillage treatment tire inflation pressure, and the interaction between tire inflation pressure and axle load.