Which consequence is most associated with soil compaction?

Which consequence is most associated with soil compaction?

• A. Increased water infiltration
• B. Decreased water infiltration
• C. Improved root growth
• D. Higher soil aeration

Answer: (B)

Soil compaction squeezes the pore spaces that air and water use to move through the soil. When those pores become smaller and less well connected, water has a harder time infiltrating the surface and moving downward, so the rate of infiltration decreases. That connection between compacted soil and slower water entry is why decreased water infiltration is the consequence most associated with soil compaction. In contrast, compacted soil would not increase infiltration or aeration—and it tends to hinder root growth rather than improve it, since roots must push through denser material and access to oxygen is reduced.

Soil compaction squeezes the pore spaces that air and water use to move through the soil. When those pores become smaller and less well connected, water has a harder time infiltrating the surface and moving downward, so the rate of infiltration decreases. That connection between compacted soil and slower water entry is why decreased water infiltration is the consequence most associated with soil compaction.

In contrast, compacted soil would not increase infiltration or aeration—and it tends to hinder root growth rather than improve it, since roots must push through denser material and access to oxygen is reduced.