Which of the following can lead to soil compaction?

The reason excessive tillage and heavy machinery use lead to soil compaction lies in the physical forces exerted on the soil structure. When heavy machinery is used in farming activities, it compresses the soil particles together, reducing the pore spaces between them. This compression makes it more difficult for air and water to penetrate the soil, adversely affecting root growth and microbial activity. Additionally, excessive tillage can disrupt the soil’s natural structure and further contribute to compaction.

In contrast, practices like organic farming and the regular planting of cover crops generally promote soil health and structure. Organic farming focuses on maintaining natural amendments to enhance soil quality, while cover crops help improve soil aeration and prevent erosion. Natural soil formation processes, while essential for developing healthy soil over time, do not contribute to compaction in the same direct manner that heavy machinery and tillage practices do.