Controlled traffic farming is a crop production system that seeks to minimize compaction from wheel traffic by restricting all equipment to permanent traffic lanes. The goal is to restrict wheel traffic to the least possible area within each field so crops can grow in uncompacted seedbeds. This is accomplished by matching up all equipment widths and axle widths so every farming activity travels down the same path each year. The result is a reduction in inputs (time, fuel, and machinery), an increase in efficiency (moisture, nutrients, and sunlight) and an increase in output (yield).
How CTF Works
CTF takes time to maximize benefits
CTF is not tram lines or prescriptive tillage
Balanced soil fertility, soil health program will increase the benefits of all technology decisions that are successfully proven and experienced
Solutions
Size machinery to multiples width Example 36 M sprayer, 18 M seeder, 9 M grain table 9-meter ripper, 18-meter field cultivator
Use RTK, store AB lines and follow every year
Develop areas for trucks to stay on edge of a field and never in the field, use modern grain carts
Tire and axle spacing to fit between the rows
Use grain carts and practice dump on the go field procedures to keep the combined light
Do not work wet soils
Planter tractors with narrow duals or triples
Tillage tractors, tracks, wide duals
Grain carts, combines, as many tires or tracks possible
Remove “excessive” weights from tractors when not needed. Ex. Grain cart, Seedbed prep, seeder
Sprayers for corn with narrow tires travel with seeder tractor
Use sprayers for wheat, wider booms, can drive pattern from before
Adopt Strip tillage, no-till technology
Use correct cover crop methods