Physical deterioration (in-situ)

Physical deterioration does not involve displacement of soil particles, the process takes place in situ. It encompasses a wide range of degradation processes affecting physical soil properties, such as:

• Compaction
  Deterioration of soil structure by trampling or the weight and/or frequent use of machinery.
   
• Crusting
  Clogging of pores with fine soil material and development of a thin impervious layer at the soil surface obstructing the infiltration of rainwater. Development of a water-repellent layer (e.g. beneath surface ashes after forest fire).
   
• Waterlogging
  Effects of human induced water saturation of soils (excluding paddy fields).
   
• Subsidence of organic soils, settling of soil
  Drainage of peatlands or low lying heavy soils.
   
• Loss of bio-productive function due to other activities
  Some land use changes (e.g. construction, mining) may have implications for the biological and productive function (e.g. agricultural production) of the soil and hence a degradation effect.
   
• Sealing
  Covering the soil surface by impervious materials, such as concrete, tarmac, due to construction activities (urbanisation, infrastructure)