Estimating the current area of European tillage systems occupied by tramlines and a potential approach for the cultivation of this underutilised area

Effects of varying field geometry and machine configurations on spatial field traffic intensity: A case study for winter wheat harvest

“…Based on these two assumptions, the headland width of 24 m was not changed for the analysis. Moreover, a headland width of 24 m corresponds to the average tramlines' width in Europe (Gillespie & McDonnell, 2020). Six indices are determined from the modelled tracks (Table 2), which serve to analyse changes in traffic intensity because of varying field geometries.…”

Are compacted tramlines underestimated features in soil erosion modeling? A catchment‐scale analysis using a process‐based soil erosion model

“…Tramlines are semi‐permanent structures established by farm machinery for crop maintenance. Depending on the operating distance, tyre, and axle width, tramlines are estimated to occupy 3% (Gillespie & McDonnell, 2020) to 6% (Augustin et al, 2020) of arable fields. Despite the low area percentage, Evans (2017) observed that 70% of 788 erosion events occurred in tramlines.…”

“…Despite the low area percentage, Evans (2017) observed that 70% of 788 erosion events occurred in tramlines. The increased susceptibility of tramlines to soil erosion can be linked to an increased runoff generation due to soil compaction, the concave micro‐relief of tyre ruts and to the absence of vegetation cover (Fleige & Horn, 2000; Gillespie & McDonnell, 2020; Withers et al, 2006) as shown in Figure 1. In addition, previous studies reported that losses of P from tramlines are significantly higher compared to areas without tramlines (Deasy et al, 2009; Silgram et al, 2010; Withers et al, 2006).…”