Benefits of permanent traffic lanes in a controlled traffic crop production system

Controlled Traffic research was initiated to increase crop yields by reducing traffic-induced soil compaction in the crop zone. Crop yields have been increased, and most of the field research has been concerned with the effects of the Controlled Traffic system on the crop zone.

The permanent traffic lanes have produced many additional benefits, including: improved tractive efficiency, improved mobility, and timeliness of operations. The basic traction and mobility principles involved in Controlled Traffic on permanent lanes have been verified in soil bin studies and are presented here. However, very little field work has been done on the benefits of permanent traffic lanes. Some of the questions that need answering by field research are expressed here.