How does Subsoil Compaction Occur?

Simply running livestock on your paddocks increases soil compaction and decreases beneficial soil micropores through the animal's weight applying pressure to the soil. Some livestock cause more compaction than others, and stocking a soggy paddock increases compaction drastically.

This is why tyre pressures are so important when driving on productive ground. Ground pressure is heavily influenced by tyre pressures. You have control of how much compaction you are causing when working in your fields.

Repeated tillage using soil inversion implements at a constant depth creates a layer of compacted soil below the working depth of the equipment. This inhibits transfer of subsoil moisture and root growth, increasing vulnerability to droughts and deluges.