Defining Soil Compaction: Sites & Trees
University Outreach Publication
The health and structure of trees are reflections of soil health. The ecological processes which govern tree survival and growth are concentrated around the soil / root interface. As soils, and associated resources change, tree systems must change to effectively utilize and tolerate changing resources quantities and qualities, as well as the physical space available. Soil compaction is a major tree-limiting feature of community forest managers and arborists.
Soil compaction is the most prevalent of all soil constraints on shade and street tree growth. Every place where humans and machines exist, and the infrastructures that support them are built, soil compaction will be present. There are few soil areas without some form or extent of soil compaction. Soil compaction is a fact of life for trees and tree managers. Unfortunately, prevention and correction procedures are not readily used nor recognized for their value.
(FOR00-004) July 2000
Kim D. Coder
2000
University of Georgia School of Forest Resources
Athens, GA
10
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Abiotic Factors, Critical Root Zone (CRZ), Forest Health, Plant Health Care, Site Evaluation/Selection, Soil Health, Stress & Stressors, Biology (tree), Diagnosis and Treatment, Growth, Health (tree)
International
Compaction, Soil compaction
