Control Traffic Farming

The University Farm of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra uses Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) technology on about 20 hectares, based on a system for controlling the movement of agricultural machinery in the field. Its aim is to concentrate and minimise the compacted area resulting from machinery movement and to eliminate technogenic soil compaction, thereby promoting soil infiltration, increasing soil retention capacity, and reducing the risk of water erosion. The created system of conveyor/transport tracks is then maintained throughout the year.
The application of the above technologies results in an average yield increases of 3–10% for the crops grown, especially in the case of cereals, maize, and legumes. This effect is particularly pronounced in drier years. The correct design and organisation of machinery movement optimise individual work operations, reduce fuel costs, and increase the efficiency of machinery use. An additional benefit is the increased technological precision of parallel machinery passes and clear identification of chemically treated versus untreated areas. In addition to the ecological benefits, it is also possible to reduce the consumption of production inputs such as seeds and fertilisers, which can be lowered by up to 10% when optimally applied.
Increased comfort during machine operation reduces operator fatigue and stress, allowing work even in conditions of reduced visibility.
For implementation, the acquisition of a navigation system (optimally with RTK- real time kinematic accuracy) and its installation on the tractor and self-propelled machines is essential. The machines are then optimised in terms of their range. The use of telematics software is to be defined and the navigation lines on the respective plots are optimised. The individual machines are gradually adapted to the established navigation lines and their operators are trained. It is also necessary to provide a GNSS correction signal.