Compaction

Soil compaction is caused by the repetitive and cumulative effect of heavy machinery on the same piece of land, or by the trampling of cattle in wet conditions or on wet soil.

Compaction reduces the soil's porosity, which means less air and water are available to plant roots. Roots have more difficulty penetrating the soil and have reduced access to nutrients.

Another effect of compaction is the increase in surface runoff, since less rainwater is able to percolate. This increases the risk of water erosion and the loss of topsoil and nutrients.