Sediment can either improve or degrade the soil upon which it is deposited. If fine-grained soil particles are deposited on sandy soils, the soil quality may improve. However, if coarser particles are deposited on fine-textured soil, the quality of the soil usually degrades over time. Compaction Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing the pore space between them. This increases the bulk density of the soil.
Soil compaction is caused by tilling, harvesting, or grazing when the soils are wet.
Compaction reduces the uptake of water and nutrients by plants by restricting their root depth. It affects the activity of soil organisms. Compaction decreases infiltration and thus increases runoff and the hazard of water erosion. Salinization Salinization is the process by which water-soluble salts accumulate in the soil. It may occur naturally or because of conditions resulting from management practices.