How does compaction affect soil?

Prepare for the Soil Judging National Exam. Utilize interactive flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam!

Compaction significantly affects soil by reducing its porosity and air spaces, which is why this choice is correct. When soil is compacted, the particles are pressed closer together, leading to a decrease in the volume of voids within the soil structure. This reduction in porosity directly impacts the soil's ability to hold air and water.

Air spaces in soil are critical for the respiration of roots and microorganisms, and reduced porosity can lead to poor aeration. Likewise, water can have difficulty moving through compacted soil, which can hinder drainage and lead to surface runoff. Over time, these conditions can affect plant health, growth, and soil biodiversity, as roots struggle to penetrate compacted layers.

While increased soil temperature, enhanced water infiltration, and improved nutrient retention may present benefits in various contexts, they do not reflect the primary consequence of soil compaction, which is the detrimental effect it has on porosity and the availability of necessary resources for plant and microbial life.

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