Subsoil Compaction

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Subsoil compaction from compression and shearing is a significant and persistent degradation issue. Over the past 3-4 decades, the mass of agricultural and forestry machinery has increased 3-4 times, along with a similar rise in the frequency of wheeling. Reports indicate that over 30 million hectares of farmland in Europe are irreversibly degraded by subsoil compaction, with more than 80 million hectares affected globally due to inadequate agricultural and forestry management. The consequences of this compaction also contribute to increased soil degradation through water and wind erosion, evidenced by heightened mass transport in traffic lanes. Additionally, the impermeability of plowpans leads to water interflow and subsequent soil suspension mass transfer. While the effects, such as reduced root penetration, water infiltration, and nutrient dynamics, are well-documented, a deeper understanding of the processes and limitations of current prediction models is needed. This includes examining unsaturated aggregated soils and their pore systems during compaction and shearing. Addressing the vulnerability, economic implications, and climate change requires specific research and interdisciplinary collaboration. In March 1999, scientists from over 30 countries convened in Kiel, Germany, for workshops focused on the distribution, processes, and environmental consequences of subsoil compaction, providing preliminary recommendations f