Soil Compaction Assessment Checklist

Site Preparation & Background Information

1 of 9

Gather necessary information about the site, including history, planned use, and any previous compaction issues. Document existing conditions before assessment.

Project Name/Identifier

Assessment Date

Site Coordinates (Latitude/Longitude)

Brief Site Description (Land Use, Topography)

Previous Land Use (Select all that apply)

Cropland

Pasture

Forest

Urban/Developed

Other (Specify)

History of Heavy Equipment Use (if any)

Elevation (meters/feet)

Known Compaction Issues or Concerns?

Equipment & Tools

2 of 9

Ensure all necessary equipment and tools are available, calibrated, and in working order.

Penetrometer Calibration Value (kg/cm²)

Penetrometer Type

Digital

Manual

Penetrometer Calibration Certificate (if applicable)

NDG Serial Number (if applicable)

NDG Moisture Gauge Calibration Status (if applicable)

Calibrated

Needs Calibration

Soil Core Sampler Type (if used)

Other Tools Present (check all that apply)

Tape Measure

GPS Device

Camera

Soil Core Sampler

Visual Assessment

3 of 9

Perform a visual inspection of the soil surface to identify signs of compaction.

Observe and select any visible signs of compaction:

Cracks in soil surface

Standing water on surface

Reduced infiltration rate

Stunted root growth

Uneven soil surface

Soil pans (hard layers)

None observed

Describe any unusual soil structure observed (e.g., massive, platy, blocky).

Record the location of observed compaction symptoms using GPS.

Estimate the percentage of the assessed area exhibiting signs of compaction.

Document any previous land use or activities that may have contributed to compaction (e.g., heavy machinery use, livestock grazing).

Upload photos illustrating visible compaction symptoms.

Penetrometer Testing

4 of 9

Conduct penetrometer tests at various locations to quantify soil compaction. Record depth and readings.

Penetrometer Reading (Depth: 0-15cm)

Penetrometer Reading (Depth: 15-30cm)

Penetrometer Reading (Depth: 30-60cm)

GPS Coordinates of Test Location

Description of Soil Type at Test Location

Soil Moisture Content (if measured)

Method Used for Penetrometer Test (e.g., manual, automated)

Manual

Automated

Notes on Penetrometer Test (e.g., resistance felt, any unusual observations)

Nuclear Density Gauge (NDG) Testing (if applicable)

5 of 9

If NDG testing is being used (ensure proper licensing and training), document procedures and results.

NDG Moisture Content Reading (Initial)

NDG Density Reading (Dry)

NDG Density Reading (Wet)

Gauge Calibration Status

Calibrated - Within Date

Calibrated - Expired

Not Calibrated

Gauge Calibration Expiration Date

NDG Operator Name

Notes on Gauge Performance/Issues Observed

GPS Coordinates of NDG Testing Location

Soil Sampling & Laboratory Testing (if applicable)

6 of 9

Collect soil samples for laboratory analysis to determine soil moisture content and compaction characteristics.

GPS Coordinates of Sample Location

Sample Depth (cm)

Soil Moisture Content (%)

Dry Density (g/cm³)

Bulk Density (g/cm³)

Soil Type

Sandy

Silty

Clay

Loamy

Other

Laboratory Notes & Observations

Laboratory Report (PDF)

Data Analysis & Interpretation

7 of 9

Analyze collected data to determine the extent and severity of soil compaction.

Average Penetrometer Reading (N)

Range of Penetrometer Readings (Minimum - Maximum)

Soil Moisture Content (%)

Soil Type (Based on Assessment)

Sandy

Loamy

Clayey

Silty

Other (Specify)

Qualitative Assessment of Compaction (e.g., Minor, Moderate, Severe)

Comparison to Acceptable Limits (if available)

Within Acceptable Range

Slightly Exceeds Limits

Significantly Exceeds Limits

No Limits Available

Notes on Potential Impact of Compaction (e.g., Root Growth, Water Infiltration)

Bulk Density (g/cm³)

Reporting & Recommendations

8 of 9

Prepare a detailed report outlining the assessment findings, including recommendations for remediation if needed.

Summary of Findings

Overall Compaction Severity Score (1-10)

Primary Cause of Compaction (if identified)

Heavy Machinery

Livestock Traffic

Tillage Practices

Natural Processes

Unknown

Recommended Remediation Techniques (Select all that apply)

Reduced Tillage

Cover Cropping

Amendment Application (e.g., compost, gypsum)

Controlled Traffic Patterns

Aeration

Subsoiling

Detailed Remediation Plan

Estimated Cost of Remediation (USD)

Date of Next Assessment

Assessor Signature

Supporting Documentation (maps, photos, calculations)

Documentation & Record Keeping

9 of 9

Maintain thorough records of the assessment, including data, photos, and any corrective actions taken.

Site Preparation & Background Information

Project Name/Identifier

Assessment Date

Site Coordinates (Latitude/Longitude)

Brief Site Description (Land Use, Topography)

Previous Land Use (Select all that apply)

History of Heavy Equipment Use (if any)

Elevation (meters/feet)

Known Compaction Issues or Concerns?

Equipment & Tools

Penetrometer Calibration Value (kg/cm²)

Penetrometer Type

Penetrometer Calibration Certificate (if applicable)

NDG Serial Number (if applicable)

NDG Moisture Gauge Calibration Status (if applicable)

Soil Core Sampler Type (if used)

Other Tools Present (check all that apply)

Visual Assessment

Observe and select any visible signs of compaction:

Describe any unusual soil structure observed (e.g., massive, platy, blocky).

Record the location of observed compaction symptoms using GPS.

Estimate the percentage of the assessed area exhibiting signs of compaction.

Document any previous land use or activities that may have contributed to compaction (e.g., heavy machinery use, livestock grazing).

Upload photos illustrating visible compaction symptoms.

Penetrometer Testing

Penetrometer Reading (Depth: 0-15cm)

Penetrometer Reading (Depth: 15-30cm)

Penetrometer Reading (Depth: 30-60cm)

GPS Coordinates of Test Location

Description of Soil Type at Test Location

Soil Moisture Content (if measured)

Method Used for Penetrometer Test (e.g., manual, automated)

Notes on Penetrometer Test (e.g., resistance felt, any unusual observations)

Nuclear Density Gauge (NDG) Testing (if applicable)

NDG Moisture Content Reading (Initial)

NDG Density Reading (Dry)

NDG Density Reading (Wet)

Gauge Calibration Status

Gauge Calibration Expiration Date

NDG Operator Name

Notes on Gauge Performance/Issues Observed

GPS Coordinates of NDG Testing Location

Soil Sampling & Laboratory Testing (if applicable)

GPS Coordinates of Sample Location

Sample Depth (cm)

Soil Moisture Content (%)

Dry Density (g/cm³)

Bulk Density (g/cm³)

Soil Type

Laboratory Notes & Observations

Laboratory Report (PDF)

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Average Penetrometer Reading (N)

Range of Penetrometer Readings (Minimum - Maximum)

Soil Moisture Content (%)

Soil Type (Based on Assessment)

Qualitative Assessment of Compaction (e.g., Minor, Moderate, Severe)

Comparison to Acceptable Limits (if available)

Notes on Potential Impact of Compaction (e.g., Root Growth, Water Infiltration)

Bulk Density (g/cm³)

Reporting & Recommendations

Summary of Findings

Overall Compaction Severity Score (1-10)

Primary Cause of Compaction (if identified)

Recommended Remediation Techniques (Select all that apply)

Detailed Remediation Plan

Estimated Cost of Remediation (USD)

Date of Next Assessment

Assessor Signature

Supporting Documentation (maps, photos, calculations)

Documentation & Record Keeping

Assessment Date

Assessment Time

Assessor Name

Detailed Notes/Observations

Number of Test Locations

Photos of Assessment Site

Equipment Calibration Status

Calibration Record Description (if applicable)