Controlled Traffic Farming

The cycle of traffic-induced soil compaction and tillage is a major inefficiency of current mechanised agriculture, where random field traffic wastes energy, damages soil structure and imposes other negative consequences. Controlled traffic farming (CTF) restricts compaction to precise traffic lanes, where it improves wheel performance, allowing natural, uncompromised soil processes and productivity over most of the field. The principles and practices of controlled traffic in Australia, UK and the Netherlands are explained and an overview of worldwide CTF research is provided. Immediate benefits of CTF include reduced fossil energy use and improved field efficiency, with better infiltration and drainage reducing run-off and erosion. Indirect effects include timeliness benefits with more workable days, reduced waterlogging, denitrification and greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced soil biological activity with improved organic matter levels. Equipment and system changes are necessary to achieve controlled traffic, but adoption reduces costs, increases yields and provides better financial and environmental performance.

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