Impacts of poor soil structure

Poorly structured soils reduce water infiltration and can lead to erosion, and surface ponding and crusting. Compaction causes a reduction in air spaces between soil particles.

Compaction and erosion

Compacted soils have restricted pore space and aggregates that are either large and angular, or absent (structureless or ‘massive’).

Any cracks and fissures tend to be horizontal rather than vertical, resulting in a ‘platy’ structure (like a stack of plates).

Compacted soil layers are dense, restrict water movement, and roots cannot proliferate, tending to run horizontally along the upper surface of the layer.

Soil compaction can impact the efficiency and economics of production in a number of ways, resulting in:

Poor rooting and reduced crop yield and quality
Less crop uniformity
Poor drainage
Reduced timeliness (fewer days when land can be worked by machinery)
Increased fuel use: 50%+
Higher weed/disease pressure

Higher irrigation costs (typical overall operating costs for a 25 mm application are £85–£155/ha)

Soils that are compacted or cap easily are more vulnerable to erosion and surface run-off, which can result in soil loss, declining productivity and off-site impacts involving neighbours and local authorities.