Effect of Compaction on Soil Bulk Density - A review.

Abstract

Compaction of agricultural soil is a major concern for many agricultural soil scientists and farmes. Soil compaction, due to heavy field traffic, has resulted in the uneasy flow of water into the soil for crop use which has led to yield reduction of most agronomic crops throughout the world. Soil compaction is a physical form of soil degradation that alters soil structure, limits water and air infiltration, and thus reduces root penetration in the soil. The review shows the tentative approach in the understanding and quantification of the effects of soil compaction. We found the following major points: (1) Exposure of the soil to vehicular traffic load, soil water contents, soil texture and structure, and soil organic matter are the three main factors which determine the degree of compactness of that soil. (2) Soil compaction has direct effects on soil physical properties such as bulk density, strength and porosity; therefore, these parameters can be used to quantify soil compactness of that soil. (3) Modified soil physical properties due to soil compaction can alter elements mobility and change nitrogen and carbon cycles in favour of more emissions of greenhouse gases under wet conditions. (4) Severe soil compaction induces root deformation, stunted shoot growth, late germination, low germination rate, and high mortality rate.