In geotechnical engineering, soil compaction is the process in which stress applied to a soil causes densification as air is displaced from the pores between the soil grains.

What causes soil compaction?

Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space between them (Figure 1). ... As the pore space decreases within a soil, the bulk density increases. Soils with a higher percentage of clay and silt, which naturally have more pore space, have a lower bulk density than sandier soils.

What is soil compaction in soil science?

Soil compaction is rearrangement of soil particles and reduction in macro-porosity and total pore space by stresses. ... Other stresses may come from tillage, stock trampling and overburden pressure. Compact soils restrict crop and pasture production and increase nutrient leaching and emission of greenhouse gasses.