Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Every year, soil compaction quietly robs crop yield from field across North America, yet some of the most effective ways to reduce that loss don't require a major equipment upgrade.
On this episode of Soil School, RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson and independent agronomist Greg Stewart discussed where growers should invest their first $10,000 to reduce compaction and improve soil productivity. Their advice begins with understanding that tire inflation pressure—not just equipment weight—plays a major role in surface compaction.
The first investment is also the least expensive: a tire pressure gauge.
"A pressure gauge... costs you very little," says Stewart, noting that many growers check tire pressure only once a year. Johnson adds that proper inflation pressure is critical because "surface compaction is all driven by pressure in the tire."
Knowing the weight carried by each tire is the next step. Stewart recommends weighing equipment annually so tire pressures can be matched to the actual load and operating speed. Without that information, Johnson says many machines end up running far more inflation pressure than necessary.
From there, the discussion shifts to tire technology. Modern Very High Flexion (VF) tires allow operators to carry the same load at significantly lower inflation pressures by increasing sidewall flexibility and enlarging the tire footprint. Johnson notes that reducing inflation pressure also reduces the pressure exerted on the soil surface, helping limit compaction.
The fourth investment is a central tire inflation system (CTIS), which allows operators to adjust tire pressure as they move between the road and the field. Higher pressures are needed for road travel, while lower pressures help protect the soil during field operations.
Finally, Johnson and Stewart tackle the long-running debate over tires versus tracks. While properly inflated radial tires remain an excellent option for most equipment, Stewart says tracks become increasingly attractive as axle loads increase on today's largest combines and grain carts, where the larger footprint can better distribute weight.
Whatever technology growers choose, Johnson says there's one key takeaway: the best tires in the world won't reduce compaction if they're operated at the correct pressure.
Website: realagriculture.com
#compaction #farming #agriculture
Find us on our other social media platforms:
X/Twitter: twitter.com/realagriculture
Instagram: instagram.com/realagriculture
Facebook: facebook.com/realagmedia
Every year, soil compaction quietly robs crop yield from field across North America, yet some of the most effective ways to reduce that loss don't require a major equipment upgrade.
On this episode of Soil School, RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson and independent agronomist Greg Stewart discussed where growers should invest their first $10,000 to reduce compaction and improve soil productivity. Their advice begins with understanding that tire inflation pressure—not just equipment weight—plays a major role in surface compaction.
The first investment is also the least expensive: a tire pressure gauge.
"A pressure gauge... costs you very little," says Stewart, noting that many growers check tire pressure only once a year. Johnson adds that proper inflation pressure is critical because "surface compaction is all driven by pressure in the tire."
Knowing the weight carried by each tire is the next step. Stewart recommends weighing equipment annually so tire pressures can be matched to the actual load and operating speed. Without that information, Johnson says many machines end up running far more inflation pressure than necessary.
From there, the discussion shifts to tire technology. Modern Very High Flexion (VF) tires allow operators to carry the same load at significantly lower inflation pressures by increasing sidewall flexibility and enlarging the tire footprint. Johnson notes that reducing inflation pressure also reduces the pressure exerted on the soil surface, helping limit compaction.
The fourth investment is a central tire inflation system (CTIS), which allows operators to adjust tire pressure as they move between the road and the field. Higher pressures are needed for road travel, while lower pressures help protect the soil during field operations.
Finally, Johnson and Stewart tackle the long-running debate over tires versus tracks. While properly inflated radial tires remain an excellent option for most equipment, Stewart says tracks become increasingly attractive as axle loads increase on today's largest combines and grain carts, where the larger footprint can better distribute weight.
Whatever technology growers choose, Johnson says there's one key takeaway: the best tires in the world won't reduce compaction if they're operated at the correct pressure.
Website: realagriculture.com
#compaction #farming #agriculture
Find us on our other social media platforms:
X/Twitter: twitter.com/realagriculture
Instagram: instagram.com/realagriculture
Facebook: facebook.com/realagmedia
