How Much Impact Has the Cover Crop Mulch in Mitigating Soil Compaction?—A Field Study in North Italy

Soil compaction was largely studied in different scenarios with laboratory and field scale experiments, various soil conditions traffic intensities. However, a detailed analysis to better understand the protective role of plant residues or cover crop mulch is still required. A test conducted Northeast Italy aiming fill this gap. Rye chosen as winter crop, growth on controlled random block experimental field. Four treatments were compared study effects root systems: roller crimper, flail mower, bare control harvested biomass control. intensities used evaluate multiple passages 0, 1, 3, 5 events. During events, mean normal stress measured. Penetration resistance then evaluated after trafficking samples collected. The obtained results showed 19.3% cone index increase mower treatment first event, while low differences found bulk density during third Moreover, increased 16.5% mower. These findings highlight that maintains lower penetration helping subsequent operations. Furthermore, crimper termination impact bearing capacity differently due moisture content. contribution mitigating experiment.