Through nearly a century of experience with agricultural and construction equipment, Caterpillar has learned a lot about compaction. We know how to design machines that pound down a roadbed, and tractors that go lightly across a seedbed. Compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, limiting the space for air and water between the particles. Excessive rainfall can cause crusing on the surface of soils. Continuous tillage at the same depth can encourage compaction.
Excessive tillage can break down soil structure, leading to compaction.
Equipment-induced compaction is caused by ground pressure, axle loads and slip. The primary cause of compaction is equipment traffic. As the trend toward larger farms continues, there is a greater need for larger, heavier tractors and combines. As machines get heavier, compaction concerns grow. The very process of growing a crop causes soil compaction.