Terranimo® Light: A tool for evaluating the risk of soil compaction
In current agricultural practices, soil compaction due to agricultural machinery represents a real risk to soil structure and, ultimately, to its fertility. To better understand and anticipate this phenomenon, a free online tool, Terranimo®, is available to users in Switzerland : https://ch.terranimo.world/light .
Tool Objective
Terranimo® is a soil compaction risk simulator linked to the passage of agricultural machinery. It allows users to assess, based on several parameters, whether a given passage is likely to cause soil compaction, and to what extent.
The model is based on scientific data (notably the mechanical stress exerted by wheels) and takes into account the physical properties of the soil.
Data Required for Simulation
To use the tool, a certain number of parameters must be entered, divided into three main categories :
- Soil type:
- Texture (sandy, silty, clayey, etc.)
- Moisture level (dry, humid, close to saturation)
- Soil depth
- Machine data:
- Number of axles
- Mass per axle
- Tire dimensions
- Tire pressure
- Usage conditions:
- Passage speed
- Tire type (standard, low pressure, etc.)
Results Provided by the Tool
Once the data is entered, Terranimo® provides a visualization of the compaction risk, generally in the form of a colored diagram according to soil depth. The result indicates the level of mechanical stress exerted by the axle, compared to the soil's resistance at different depths.
The colors allow for quick interpretation :
- Green: low risk
- Orange: moderate risk
- Red: high risk
It is also possible to compare different scenarios by modifying only one parameter at a time (for example, lower tire pressure or drier soil).
Limitations and Precautions
- The tool provides a simplified estimate of the risk: it does not replace a complete field analysis.
- The results depend heavily on the quality of the data entered, especially the actual soil moisture, which is often difficult to assess precisely.
- This is the "Light" version of the model, intended for quick and intuitive use; it does not cover all possible configurations.
Tool Access
The tool is accessible free of charge, without registration, at this address: https://ch.terranimo.world/light. It is available in several languages (German, French, Italian, English) and works on browsers, including mobile devices.
Conclusion
Terranimo® Light can be used to visualize the mechanical effect of a machine passage on a given soil. It allows exploring scenarios and identifying configurations most likely to damage the soil structure. For farmers, advisors, or soil technicians, this can provide support for reflection on soil tillage practices and agricultural machine traffic.
This page has been written for the NBSOIL project, with the financial help of the European Union, with the help of the Centre National d'Agroécologie, of Ver de Terre Production and of Neayi
