Increased soil compaction
Impact
Often heavy machinery, such as dozers and tractors, are used to remove vegetation and carry out other farm management activities such as soil tillage, crop harvest, fertiliser application, etc. The use of machinery may result in soil compaction - subsoil hardpan formation and/or hard-setting soil surface. Soil compaction can also result from trampling of grazing animals.
Suggested indicator: Soil structure*
Soil compaction may be associated with:
| Potential associated impacts | Suggested indicators |
Decreased soil infiltration and permeability reducing deep drainage |
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| Reduced plant root penetration and plant available water |
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Increased potential for erosion
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| Loss of soil nutrients |
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| Waterlogging of soils |
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* Yet to be developed
Last updated: 27 August 2008