Cranfield University

Home
Soil Science
Case Studies
Activities
Photo Library
About

Home
Introduction
Global Cycles
Soil Functions
Ecosystem Services
Soils on Earth
- Soils of Britain
- Soils of the World
Threats to Soil
Future Concerns
What Else?
Case Studies
Activities
Photo Library
Teachers
- KS 1 and 2
- KS 3
- KS 4
- Resources
- Evaluation
About
- Help
- New to Soil-Net?
- Contacts
- Copyright
- Credits
- Feedback
- Links
- Donations

Soil compaction
Human soil compaction
Reducing soil compaction
Soil compaction - Quiz

Soil compaction - Quiz

Answer each question below, then choose Check answers to see your score. You can reveal the correct responses after marking.

1 What is compaction?

A process whereby soil layers lose some of their pore spaces A process where compost is spread on soil Sitting still on the lawn

2 Which of these major events caused extensive soil compaction?

The last Ice Age Building our motorway network Elephants walking on their hind legs

3 Can chemicals sometimes cause 'cementation' compaction?

No, never Yes, in some lower soil horizons Only if a cement factory explodes

4 Human acitivity can cause soil compaction...

By intensive farming with heavy machinery By felling timber using heavy machinery By ploughing wet soils All of the above

5 Which modern farming method causes the WORST compaction?

Machinery, sometimes used 7 times on a field of growing wheat Flocks and herds of grazing animals Farmers driving 4x4 cars

6 Why is soil compaction present a problem?

Soils cannot easily drain and become waterlogged Soil biological activity is reduced Air is excluded from the soil All of the above

7 Compacted agricultural land is usually close to the surface. How can we improve it?

Work the soil only when it is dry Use minimum tillage Both the above

8 What is the best way to overcome compaction?

Learn a better understanding of the problem causes and effects Stop growing forests Keep elephants well away from the farm Only farm birds like turkeys

Your results

We read every message — thank you for helping improve Soil-Net.

Your name (optional) Your message

Thank you — your feedback has been noted.

soil-net@cranfield.ac.uk