Compaction Prevention: Tire Pressure Adjustments
alternative practice names:
Automated Weight Transfer (AWT); Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS); Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS)
Adjusting tire pressure can prevent compaction. A proper pressure level influences contact pressure between the tire and the soil. Lowering tire pressure increases the tire's contact area with the ground, distributing the weight more evenly and reducing the intensity of compaction. Conversely, overinflated tires have a smaller contact area, which can concentrate the load and increase compaction.
While farmers can manually adjust tire pressure between trips on roads and fields, it is time-consuming and not very practical. Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS) make adjusting tire pressure quick and convenient. CTIS integrates an onboard control panel, air compressor, and pressure sensors to allow operators to monitor and adjust tire pressure from the cab, ensuring optimal pressure for varying conditions. The system can automatically inflate or deflate tires based on operator input or pre-set parameters, enhancing efficiency and reducing soil compaction. The technology can be installed on most equipment, including trucks and some new tractors.
When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found:
Northwest, West, Upper Midwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast
FARM SIZE
When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:
Over 500 cows

Practice Benefits
Increased yields: Reducing compaction should lead to increased yields, as plants will be better able to access moisture, air, and nutrients in the soil profile.
Improved infiltration and drought resistance: Reducing soil compaction increases pore space, promoting better water infiltration and enhancing the soil's water-holding capacity. This not only improves drought resistance but also aids in drainage during wet conditions, helping to prevent soil saturation and ponding.
Reduced tire wear: If equipment is being run at the optimum field and there is road tire inflation, the life of expensive agricultural tires will be maximized.
Reduced fuel cost: Pressurizing tires to optimal conditions for roads and fields reduces fuel costs.

Implementation Insights
Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements

Soils prone to compaction: CTIS provides the greatest benefits on fine-textured soils prone to compaction.
Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

CTIS systems: The cost of CTIS can vary widely based on factors like equipment type, farm size, and specific technology used. These types of tire inflation systems have been used in the trucking industry for decades and are now making their way into the agriculture industry.
Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)

There are no ongoing operational expenditures associated with this practice.
Implementation Considerations

Installation: There may be some help needed for installation; once that is completed, this system is straightforward.
Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams
There are no federal cost-share programs or conservation funding for this practice.
Additional Resources
Article: Automatic Inflation Tech Expands to Tractor Tires (Transport Topics)
Article: Boosting Yields, Efficiency & Tire Life with the Push of a Button (No-Till Farmer)
Article: Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) (Michelin)
Article: Deflate and Inflate Tires from the Driver's Seat (Progressive Dairy)
Article: Machinery Options for Reducing Soil Compaction in Crop Production (Pioneer)
Article: Manure, Compaction and Cover Crops (Michigan State University)
Article: Soil Compaction (University of Minnesota)
Article: 10 Questions Farmers Have About Central Tire Inflation Systems (Practical Traction Knowledge)
Article: Variable Inflation System Tire Performance Impact (Farm Equipment)
Video: Central Tire Inflation System Installation (TractorLab)
Video: Get Push Button Pressure with Central Tire Inflation (RealAgriculture)
Website: Precision Inflation

Environmental Impacts
IMPROVES WATER QUALITY
Reducing compaction enables more water to infiltrate the soil, recharging groundwater and minimizing the transport of sediment and nutrients into nearby water bodies. While the direct linkage between compaction prevention technologies and specific water quality benefits may not be extensively documented, the overall principles are well-supported by soil science.
REFerences

Alignment with FARM Program
FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) V2-V3 Alignment
The optional FARM ES Conservation Practice Questionnaire (CPQ) also asks about compaction prevention.
Contents
We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights.
We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights.
Adjusting tire pressure can prevent compaction. A proper pressure level influences contact pressure between the tire and the soil. Lowering tire pressure increases the tire's contact area with the ground, distributing the weight more evenly and reducing the intensity of compaction. Conversely, overinflated tires have a smaller contact area, which can concentrate the load and increase compaction.
While farmers can manually adjust tire pressure between trips on roads and fields, it is time-consuming and not very practical. Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS) make adjusting tire pressure quick and convenient. CTIS integrates an onboard control panel, air compressor, and pressure sensors to allow operators to monitor and adjust tire pressure from the cab, ensuring optimal pressure for varying conditions. The system can automatically inflate or deflate tires based on operator input or pre-set parameters, enhancing efficiency and reducing soil compaction. The technology can be installed on most equipment, including trucks and some new tractors.
Practices and technologies
Compaction Prevention: Tire Pressure Adjustments
alternative practice name:
Automated Weight Transfer (AWT); Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS); Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS)