Increased use of agricultural machinery may increase soil compaction. Tillage before planting a crop may not control soil compaction adequately since many machine operations are used, often in a rather random traffic pattern, in an effort to enhance crop production. Axle loads from these machines can cause compaction below the tillage depth. Thus, control of the traffic patterns in crop production has the potential of reducing the influence of traffic on tillage requirements and the detrimental effects of soil compaction. Results from a 15-year study show that tillage requirements are reduced if wheel traffic is confined to permanent traffic lanes and separate crop reduction zones are maintained.