Compaction and settling of Quebec soils in relation to their soil- water properties.

Abstract

21 topsoils, with texture varying from sandy loam to clay and organic matter content ranging from 1.6 to 11.9%, were submitted to compaction and settling at different moisture contents where dry bulk density was determined. The most important physical properties affecting soil behaviour under compaction and settling were found to be water retention properties at low matric potential which themselves depended primarily on organic matter content. Organic matter played an important role in reducing the effects of compaction, and moisture content alone was not sufficient to predict the best conditions for workability in the fields.-from Authors