Study of the influence of soil compaction on its main properties

The main problems of agriculture are: destruction of soil structure and soil compaction; water and wind erosion of soils; loss of humus; destruction of soil ecosystems. Soil degradation is a modern problem. One of the causes of soil degradation is compaction. Soil compaction in fields is a consequence of the use of heavy agricultural machinery. During crop cultivation, machine tractor units make 5–15 passes through the field, compacting the top and subsoil layers of the soil. During pre-sowing tillage and sowing, the running systems of the agricultural machines cover up to 80% of the field area. This leads to the deterioration of aeration, the conditions for the life of effective soil micro-organisms and the absorption of nutrients from the soil by plants, and as a result to the deterioration of the development of the root system of plants. The article presents the results of the evaluation of the density index of the grey-podzolized light loam soil at different depths in the field conditions of the farm of the Rivne region (Ukraine) and the influence of soil compaction on its physical and mechanical and biotic properties. The research was carried out as part of the first stage of the project, which is being implemented in accordance with cooperation agreements with leading agricultural enterprises of the Rivne region (Ukraine). The soil density indicator was determined in the track of wheeled tractors and a tractor with a crawler-track system after one, two, and three passes. It was found that the greatest increase in soil density was observed at a depth of 20–30 cm after the first tractor pass, regardless of the type of running system. After the second and especially after the third pass, compaction increases at different depths when tractors with different running systems are used. The effect of changes in soil density on its water permeability was evaluated. The influence of soil density on its biotic properties was studied.