Make a mark on the pencil or stick at the soil level with another pencil. Use a ruler to measure how far the pencil or stick went into the soil. Record the average soil depth in your journal. Try this test several times in your quadrant, and average your answer. Record the average in your journal.
Compaction describes how tightly the spaces in the soil are packed together.
Soils that are highly compacted have fewer spaces for air, water, and living things. Remove both ends from a soup can. Use a permanent marker to place a mark 6 cm from one end. Push the can into the soil to the mark. Quickly pour water to the top of the can.