Certified Arborist Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Soil compaction is the result of a variety of factors that increase the density of soil by reducing the pore spaces in it. Each of the factors listed plays a significant role in contributing to this process.

Heavy rainfall can lead to soil compaction as it saturates the soil, causing the particles to shift and settle more closely together. This increased moisture reduces the soil's structure, making it more susceptible to compaction when any additional weight is applied.

Frequent irrigation has a similar effect. While it may initially loosen soil particles, over time the continual wetting and subsequent drying cycles can cause the particles to align more tightly, especially if the soil is clay heavy. This regular disturbance can lead to a densified surface layer that hinders air and water infiltration.

Foot traffic is another key contributor, as pressure from people walking over soil compresses the particles, especially in areas that may already be damp or over-irrigated. Ongoing foot traffic can create specific pathways where soil compaction is intensified, leading to poor root growth for plants and trees.

Given that each factor listed can uniquely contribute to the phenomenon of soil compaction, it follows logically that the most comprehensive answer is that all of these factors combined contribute significantly to soil compaction. Understanding how