The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
The forcing together of soil particles under pressure, usually by foot or vehicle traffic. Compaction decreases soil porosity and increases bulk density. The degree of compaction is determined by the amount of pressure applied and soil characteristics, including clay, water, and organic matter contents. Although compaction sometimes can be beneficial by improving seed and root contact with the soil and by increasing the soil's ability to hold water, most compaction is detrimental to plants and soil animals. It can destroy soil structure, decreasing water intake, percolation, gas exchange, and biological activity, while increasing water runoff, erosion, and resistance to root penetration. Soil compaction often is a serious problem in agricultural fields, forests, range lands, lawns, and golf courses. Conversely, soil compaction is necessary for most construction purposes.