Wheelings and tramlines can progressively become compacted and this damage increases runoff and erosion, particularly for fields with steep slopes. Tramlines are a major diffuse pollution pathway. Controlled traffic farming (CTF) systems reduce soil damage, can increase yield and save both fuel and time.

Key points

  • Wheelings and tramlines can progressively become compacted and this damage increases runoff and erosion, particularly for fields with steep slopes. Tramlines are a major diffuse pollution pathway.
  • Controlled traffic farming (CTF) systems reduce soil damage, can increase yield and save fuel and time.
  • Timing and limiting machinery operations to when soils are drier and structurally stronger is an easy low cost tramline management option.
  • Increasing the distance between tramlines or choosing spring cropping instead of winter cropping are effective tramline management options and future soil and business benefits will outweigh the costs of implementation.
  • Very flexible low pressure tyres can be used to reduce compaction, increase tyre life and fuel efficiency.
  • Tramline disruption can easily be done as part of another operation(e.g. the last autumn spraying operations).
  • Different tramline disrupters are being designed and tested to reduce runoff and erosion.

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