Causes, adverse effects and control of soil compaction

Abstract

The causes, adverse effects and control of soil compaction, with special reference to Southern African conditions, are reviewed. The main causes for soil compaction are the well-rounded and -sorted fine sand fraction of the aeolian sandy soils combined with compression by soil tillage equipment. Layers with high penetration resistance decrease rooting depth and density which lead to a reduction in plant nutrient uptake, water uptake and water-use efficiency. A system of deep tillage combined with controlled wheel traffic to predetermined lanes is recommended as a measure of control.