What is surface compaction?

Surface compaction refers to the compaction of the topsoil layer caused by the application of high contact pressure, often from heavy equipment or machinery. This type of compaction primarily affects the soil just below the surface, impeding its ability to absorb water and air, and restricting root growth. In agricultural contexts, surface compaction is particularly concerning because it can lead to reduced crop yields due to poor soil health.

When heavy vehicles traverse fields, especially when the soil is wet, the weight can compress the soil particles in the top layer, leading to a denser structure. This density can prevent roots from effectively accessing nutrients and water, which are essential for plant growth. Consequently, understanding the effects and management of surface compaction is vital for maintaining soil quality and ensuring productive agricultural practices.

The other options describe different aspects of soil compaction that do not focus specifically on the surface layer or are too narrow in scope to define what is generally understood as surface compaction. For instance, compaction at depth pertains to deeper soil layers rather than the surface, while compaction that occurs only during harvesting or exclusively below the plow layer does not address the critical concerns associated with the uppermost soil layer.