Sediment Reduction from the Use of Lowered Tire Pressures

The use of lowered tire pressures has the capability to reduce sediment production from unpaved forest roads. A three year test of Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) and Constant Reduced Pressure (CRP) methods to achieve lowered tire pressures was conducted by the US Forest Service. The average sediment reduction from the use of CTIS was 80% compared to highway tire pressures. When using CRP tire pressures, the average sediment reduction was 45% compared to highway tire pressures. Both lowered tire pressure systems had shallower, less well defined wheel ruts resulting in less frequent road maintenance requirements.