Simulated Traffic Dynamic Loading on Physical Properties of a Red Latosol under No-Tillage

The use of intensive mechanization in no-tillage areas can change soil physical conditions, mainly in the “Cerrado”, which has reduced cover ratio. This study aimed to evaluate physical and mechanical properties of a red latosol under no-tillage and subjected to simulated dynamic traffic in different surfaces conditions. For this, soil samples were collected, with dimensions of 0.2 × 0.2 × 0.3 m (height, width and length), in an area subjected to no-tillage in the last four years. Subsequently, samples were transported to the laboratory and subjected to different traffic levels in a simulator. Shortly after, a completely randomized experimental design was set up, in factorial 2 × 5, with two covers (with and without haystack) and five traffic levels (zero, one, two, four and eight run overs) applied by the simulator. Assessed physical properties were superficial settlement, soil density, compaction degree and pre-consolidation pressure. Results showed that superficial settlement, soil density and compaction degree were significantly influenced by soil cover and traffic intensity. Pre-consolidation was not affected by cover, and had higher values when subjected to more traffic intensity.