Soil compaction: identification directly in the field

The compaction of soil alters its structure, increases its bulk density and decreases its porosity. These changes can be detected by careful and systematic visual and tactile examination directly in the field. These changes also reduce the permeability of soil to water and air and may alter the pattern of root growth. Further signs of compaction may be induced such as the creation of waterlogged zones or of dry zones caused by shallow rooting denying access to deeper reserves of water. Furthermore, there may be a reduction in nutrient uptake from dry soil. Under wet conditions anoxic pockets may form with associated biochemical changes, some of which are visible. Changes in mineral nitrogen may take place through denitrification and a reduction in nitrification. The criteria used to identify compaction in the field include patterns of crop growth, pale leaf colours, waterlogging on the surface or in subsurface layers above compaction, an increase in soil strength, changes to soil structure, soil colour and the distribution of roots and of soil moisture. Manifestation of soil compaction in crops is also dependent on the weather and is influenced by crop type and variety, and stage of growth. Many soil-borne diseases are made worse by stress to the crop which might be induced by compaction caused by drier or wetter conditions in the root zone. Where, when and how to identify compaction in the field are discussed and the techniques used are described. Specific examples of the identification of compaction are given, covering a wide range of situations.