Lawn & Soil Care

What Is Soil Compaction?

Soil compaction is the pressing together of soil particles, reducing the pore space that holds air and carries water.

Concept diagram: Loose soil: more pore space; Traffic compresses particles; Compacted soil: fewer pores. — Loose soil: more pore space; Traffic compresses particles; Compacted soil: fewer pores. Simplified conceptual illustration; not to scale.

How to Understand It

Repeated traffic, especially over wet ground, can compress soil. Compaction can restrict roots and water movement. Soil texture describes particle sizes; compaction describes how tightly they are packed.

Related terms

Core Aeration
Infiltration
Soil Texture

Learn more

How to Fix Compacted Soil in a Lawn (Without Tearing It Up)

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