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Brazil has a robust agricultural sector; however, the mechanization of crops causes several problems in the physical soil structure, including surface compaction. Compaction reduces crop productivity and producer profits. The intensity of compaction varies depending on the wheelset model used, tire type, water content, and soil load applied. Recent studies have shown that soil compaction in sugarcane can be attenuated by maintaining the vegetation cover (straw biomass) on the surface after harvesting. The present study used different tire models to evaluate the interaction between wheelset-soil as a function of different amounts of biomass left over from the sugarcane harvest. A physical simulation system (fixed tire testing unit) was used for the tests. The wheelsets were subjected to controlled loads on tanks with confined and standardized soil samples.

The mechanization of crops causes problems in soil structure as it causes compaction. Compaction can be severe depending on the type of tire adopted in the field. Producers are concerned with selecting wheelsets that harm the soil less and remembering to save resources when buying agricultural tires. Agricultural tires are more expensive than road tires, and truck tires can be an alternative for producers to save money. The present study evaluated the interaction between wheelset and ground in a fixed tire testing unit, comparing the impact of different tire models on bare ground. The 6 treatments performed consisted of 3 tire models (p1: road radial, composed of double wheelset - 2×275/80r22.5; p2: agricultural radial - 600/50r22.5; and p3: agricultural diagonal - 600/50-22.5) versus two contact surfaces, one rigid and the other with bare agricultural soil. Seven response variables were used to apply Regression analysis and descriptive statistics.