This book provides a global review of the mechanisms, incidence and control measures related to the problems of soil compaction in agriculture, forestry and other cropping systems. Among the disciplines which relate to this subject are soil physics, soil mechanics, vehicle mechanics, agricultural engineering, plant physiology, agronomy, pedology, climatology and economics.The volume will be of great value to soil scientists, agricultural engineers, and all those involved with irrigation, drainage and tillage. It will help to facilitate the exchange of information on current work throughout the world, as well as to promote scientific understanding and stimulate the development, evaluation and adoption of practical solutions to these widespread and urgent problems.

The soil compaction process; Methods of measuring soil compaction; Forces causing soil compaction; Compaction as it affects soil conditions; Soil conditions as they affect plant establishment, root development and yield; Effect of tillage on soil compaction; Management factors and natural forces as related to compaction; Economic assessment of soil compaction.

"'Published by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, with funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture."

Soil compaction reduces rooting, infiltration, water storage, aeration, drainage, and crop growth. Soil compaction has been studied intensively for more than a century, and yet we still struggle with the effect that soil compaction has on crop production and the environment. In this article, we attempt to present the primary causes of soil compaction including trafficking weak soil, excessive loads, and soils that are somewhat predisposed to soil compaction. We also offer suggestions on methods of alleviating soil compaction, which vary from gradual improvement using conservation tillage systems to the immediate improvement offered by subsoiling. Additionally, we cover methods that producers can use to avoid compacting their soil, including reducing their axle load, using radial tires and maintaining proper inflation pressure, duals, tracks, and controlling their traffic. Unfortunately, few if any of our suggestions could be used to cure soil compaction because as long as vehicles are used to plant and harvest crops on the same soil that is used to produce crops, there will continue to be soil compaction and an endless battle to reduce its ill effects.

In-depth treatments of the soil quality concept, its history, and its applicability in research and in developed and developing societiesAll 18 chapters are written by well-established experts from Europe, North America and AustraliaSoil quality is a concept that allows soil functions to be related to specific purposes. Managing soil quality takes a management oriented approach by identifying key issues in soil quality and management options to enhance the sustainability of modern agriculture. Topics covered include major plant nutrients (N, P, K), soil acidity, soil organic matter, soil biodiversity, soil compaction, erosion, pesticides and urban waste.