Soil compaction is a particular concern because the impact is significant when the soil's physical and chemical properties, such as infiltration rate, bulk density, and nutrient availability, are altered. The link between soil moisture and changes in soil physical properties is essential . The increase of one portion over another affects the rest of the soil's physical properties, such as bulk density, infiltration rate, and soil elasticity. The continual rainfall has the affect of filling voids with additional water. The impact of wet conditions on soil physical and chemical properties is also a function of soil texture.
Cultivation helps break up crusted soils and speeds warming and drying of the soil surface.
However, the potential for soil compaction is at its highest when the soil is just dry enough to work without getting stuck. In other words, a half-day's wait can pay off in the long run. It is important to check for proper soil moisture conditions prior to implementing any field operation. Most of Iowa's soils have medium textures. For these soils, a simple method of checking soil moisture is the feel method.