A RECORDING-SYSTEM FOR MEASURING INSITU SOIL STRESSES DUE TO TRAFFIC

An inexpensive, reliable and rapid data capture system is described for the in situ measurement of stresses imposed on the soil by agricultural traffic. Data were recorded at rates of 200 readings s-1 from each of eight earth pressure cells in the field. Recorded data adequately defined stress waveforms underneath vehicles for most field operations. Rates of up to 1500 readings s-1 on each of eight channels or 12 000 readings s-1 on one channel can be used if necessary. Stresses recorded in the field under several agricultural vehicles are presented.