Soil Compaction and Irrigation Management: Implications of Soil Hydraulic Changes for Precision Agriculture

Abstract Soil compaction is one of the main forms of physical soil degradation affecting agricultural productivity. Although its effects on soil structure and crop growth have been extensively investigated, their implications for irrigation management have received little attention. This review synthesises current knowledge on how soil compaction modifies the hydraulic functioning of agricultural soils and discusses the consequences for irrigation scheduling and precision irrigation. The available evidence shows that soil compaction reduces water infiltration and saturated hydraulic conductivity while altering soil water retention and plant-available water. Surface sealing and crust formation can further restrict infiltration, particularly when bare soil is exposed to high-energy rainfall or sprinkler irrigation. These changes modify water movement, redistribution and storage within the soil profile, affecting root development, plant physiological responses and crop productivity. The magnitude of these effects depends on soil texture, soil water status, crop species and environmental conditions. Conventional irrigation scheduling generally assumes stable soil hydraulic properties and may not adequately represent compacted soils. Recent advances in soil moisture sensing, crop modelling, remote sensing and decision support systems provide new opportunities to incorporate soil structural variability into irrigation management. Combining precision irrigation with preventive traffic management and practices that enhance soil structural and biological resilience may improve irrigation efficiency, optimise water use and enhance the long-term sustainability of irrigated agricultural systems.