A Farm Road And A Fence Across A Field

How to Build a Farm Track – A Quick Guide

To manage your farm’s day-to-day operations efficiently, you need smooth and swift communication around it. That means building tracks, accessways, and stream crossings for vehicles and animals.

Even if old tracks are running through your farm, it’s possible that they are not capable of handling the heavy vehicles that you need to use. Upgrading these narrow, poorly drained farm roadways is a task most farmers can’t afford to overlook. Then again, you might need a brand new farm roadway for safe and stable transportation of products.

So, you’re looking for information on how to build a farm road. Then keep reading.

What Is a Farm Track & Why Is It Important?

Farm tracks are one of the most important aspects of your farm’s infrastructure. Good tracks ensure consistent access to your property and across it, no matter the season. These tracks can shed water effectively, resulting in excellent surface integrity even in adverse weather conditions.

Back in the day, the herds were smaller and the vehicles were not so heavy. Those tracks are not designed to handle today’s farm traffic, resulting in safety issues, energy wastage, and lower efficiency. These roads connect with the farm-to-market roads that are used for the transportation of fertilizers, grains, meat, and poultry.

And let’s admit it. No matter how much a farm produces, the product needs to be transported reliably to the market, to keep the food supply chain secure. That makes transportation efficiency a key factor for any farm.

Moreover, with old tracks, the problems multiply when it rains heavily. Water penetrates the base layers of the track from the cracks that develop on the top. This results in erosion which in turn, gives rise to potholes.

Truth is, investing in the roadway system of your farm results in rich dividends in the long run. Here are the main advantages of good farm roads.

  • Well-maintained farm roads ensure easier movement of vehicles, machinery, and livestock across the farm.
  • A smooth road will reduce vehicle wear and tear and repair costs will come down. Good tracks wil also reduce soil erosion on the farm.
  • Protruding stones or pebbles can increase the chances of lameness among animals. Smooth farm tracks reduce the chance of accidents, especially with heavier vehicles. Good wheel and foot traction will prevent accidents related to slides and slippage. 
  • Top-grade tracks can improve the overall value of your property.

How to Build a Farm Road?

A Curvy Farm Track Through A Field

The first step towards building a farm track is to understand the construction principles behind the process. A lot depends on the exact purpose of the track and its load-bearing capacity. The design of a track for heavy, multi-axle vehicles will be different from one used for cattle traffic.

If you are planning for a new road, start by looking at the topographical map of the land and chalking out the path for the track. Using a motor grader to clear the mapped route is a good idea. This will help you avoid steep gradients and large obstructions. Also, avoid building farm tracks adjacent to waterways.

It is important to know about the soil type of the farm before you start. For example, red loam soils are susceptible to compaction from heavy loads and heavy loam soils require good drainage.

Once you are done with the basics, here are the steps to follow. 

Grade the Necessary Slope

The slope of the track – or crossfall – helps in draining the water away from the top. The slope can be on one side of the road and such roads are easier to construct. The standard slope is kept between 1 in 15 and 1 in 20. 

The other option is to create a crowned road with uniform slopes on both sides. They are easier to maintain and a 5% slope on each side works well.

Many landowners combine these two methods based on their requirements. On straight sections of the road, there is a crowned slope. On road curves, the slope will only be one-sided.

Foundation or the Base Layer

The first step for developing a stable base layer is to remove topsoil and grass before starting the work. You can use a backhoe excavator for this purpose. Make sure not to remove too much soil as the finished level of the roadway can go below the level of the field. You want the track level to remain higher for proper drainage.

Now, you might be wondering if the road can be laid without removing the topsoil. 

Possible. But think about this for a moment. The topsoil can be porous and may contain too much organic matter that has a low load-bearing capacity. That will affect the longevity of the road.

The width of the roadway will depend on the size of the herd and the vehicles travelling on it.

Granular fill material like crushed gravel or pebbles is commonly used as the foundation material. 

Cement can be used as a stabilising material, and to increase the load-bearing capacity of the base layer. This also helps in reducing the effects of moisture on the base layer, increasing longevity.

The foundation thickness is kept between 200-250mm.  The material is compacted by using a drum or vibratory roller while maintaining the decided slope of the road.

Surface Layer

The surface layer is between 50-100 mm thick and is made from fine materials like sand, clay, shale, limestone dust and zeolite. The fine materials allow small pebbles to get embedded in it. Concrete and asphalt are other surfacing options. However, their high cost does not make them a popular option in rural farms.

The material is spread uniformly over the slope of the base layer and compacted. Ideally, the compaction works best when the fine materials are slightly damp. Make sure that the small rocks and pebbles on this layer are no more than 5-6 mm in diameter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Farm Roadway Construction

The first step is to check if you need a planning permit from the state authorities for the development of land by building a farm track. You cannot develop a piece of land without this legal document.

The second common mistake is neglecting the road drainage issues. Plan for drains on both sides of the track to prevent water seepage into the foundation. If the track crosses a waterway, develop a culvert below it to let the water pass without interference.

But that’s not all…

It is also important to check the water table depth of the area. Ideally, the water table should be at least 600 mm below the surface. If it is higher, consider raising the level of the road to prevent seepage.

Last but not least, many landowners make the mistake of attempting the task of developing a farm road as a DIY activity. In reality, developing any rural road or a farm access track needs a thorough understanding of the topography. Just like with dams or any other projects that require at least some of the heavy machinery.

Bottom line: unless you are conversant with the technical aspects of road building and material application, leave the task to experts. A poorly constructed farm track will not deliver the economic advantage that you seek.

Once the farm road is complete, make sure to carry out periodic checks to spot any issues. Keep the drains clear to ensure proper drainage and prevent plant growth beside the roads to reduce soil erosion.

FAQs: How to Build a Farm Track

What is the meaning of farm road?

A farm road or farm track is a road that runs through agricultural farmland areas and connects them to other roads, including national highways.

How to make a road on agricultural land?

Developing a road on agricultural land requires obtaining planning permissions for it. Then the road layout is planned to find the easiest path and the ground is cleared from obstruction.  

How do you design a farm road?

Once the route is finalised, designing a farm road involves determining the road slope, and choosing the right materials, depending on the exact requirements. Once that is done, the land clearing can be started to develop the different layers of the track.