What is soil compaction?

Soil compaction is the state in which the pores of the soil become smaller than normal and this is not good.

Compacted soils have smaller pores (soil particles are pressed together), lower water holding capacity, less air, and can form unbreakable pans or top crust, leading to a decrease (or complete failure) of seed sprouting and emergence as well as limited root growth and spread.

Overusing heavy equipment (e.g., tractors) and the lack of following best practices regarding water and soil management (often tillage, deep harrowing and plowing, and over-irrigation) can negatively affect soil structure, leading to soil compaction.