Soil Compaction

Yesterday we did a septic tank investigation.  One of the borings was difficult as we got deeper because of moisture issues.  We were on a ridgetop near a steeper slope, so excessive rainfall runs off fairly easily.  What does this have to do with farming?  They hose was already built.  Construction equipment had compacted the soil under the dry hole.  The other two holes were moist if not wet.
This little observation showed how compaction can affect soil moisture.  Water is the top need to produce high yielding crops.  When you affect infiltration and subsoil moisture, you are setting yourself up for poor yields.  Here is some additional information on compaction:

• Practices that help reduce compaction
• Top Ten Reasons to avoid soil compaction