Three properties of compacted soil include:

• A. Increased pore space, rapid drainage
• B. High organic matter content
• C. Reduced pore space, poor ventilation, difficult for roots to grow
• D. Uniform soil texture with good aeration

Answer: (C)

Compacted soil has less pore space because the soil particles are pressed together, increasing density and reducing the pathways that air and water rely on. That helps explain the three properties involved: with fewer and smaller pores, there’s less air moving through the soil (poor ventilation), and roots must push through a denser medium, making root growth more difficult. The limited air supply around roots also means lower oxygen availability, which further stresses roots and slows growth. In addition, drainage becomes sluggish because the big pores that usually allow rapid water movement are diminished, so water can puddle or move very slowly, compounding the challenges for healthy root systems.

Other statements don’t fit the situation. Increased pore space and rapid drainage describe well-structured, uncompacted soils. High organic matter can improve soil structure and porosity rather than characterize compacted soil. Uniform texture with good aeration implies a well-structured soil, not one that has been compacted.