Although research has demonstrated the negative impact of traffic-induced soil compaction on crop productivity, knowledge is lacking regarding the interactive effects of equipment traffic and tillage systems, especially in regards to N management in conservation-tilled multiple-cropping systems. The objective of this study was to examine the interaction of traffic and tillage systems applied to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) on N utilization and movement below the root zone of subsequent double-cropped wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A field study was initiated in 1987 on a thermic Typic Hapludult soil complex, utilizing a wide-frame tractive vehicle (WFTV) that allows for 6.1-m wide, untrafficked research plots to double-crop cotton with wheat. The experimental design was a split-plot with three replications. Main plots were: (1) conventional traffic (simulated with tractor); (2) no traffic (WFTV only). Subplots were tillage systems for cotton: (1) complete surface tillage without subsoiling (surface); (2) complete surface tillage and annual in-row subsoiling to 40-cm depth (subsoil); (3) complete surface tillage with once-only complete disruption of the tillage pan by subsoiling to a 50-cm depth on 25-cm centers in 1987 (complete); (4) strip-till where cotton was planted with in-row subsoiling into wheat residue. All tillage treatments were applied to the cotton and residual effects were observed in the wheat. In 1990-1991, fertilizer applications were made to wheat as 1 5 N-labeled NH 4 NO 3 , and soil solution samples were collected (90-cm depth). While previous cotton tillage had no significant effect on wheat yields, traffic reduced wheat yields from 3427 to 2981 kg ha - 1 in 1990. With no traffic, total fertilizer N recovery in the plant-soil system was increased by 20 and 10% in 1990 and 1991, respectively. The strip-till tillage treatment increased total fertilizer N recovery in wheat by 20% compared with other tillage systems in 1990. Surface tillage without subsoiling for cotton increased NO 3 -N concentration below the root zone of wheat (90-cm depth) in both years. The data indicate that the tillage/traffic management system used for production of one crop in a double-cropping system was a major factor in reducing N losses and increasing fertilizer N recovery in the plant-soil system of the succeeding crop.