Soil structure and human activity

Soil structure is dynamic and constantly responds to its surrounding conditions. Land management plays a major role in shaping this hidden architecture. Heavy machinery, for example, can compact soil to the extent that pore spaces collapse, slowing water infiltration, limiting oxygen availability, and restricting root growth.

Sustainable soil management can help maintain or restore healthy soil structure. Practices such as minimising heavy traffic, avoiding work on wet soil, keeping soil covered with plants or mulch, and replacing depleted organic matter all support the formation of stable aggregates and well-connected pore networks.

How does soil structure change under heavy machinery? Watch this short video (~1 minute) to get an idea.