Compaction of subsoil is a hidden but persistent damage that impairs a range of soil
functions and ecosystem services. We analyzed the soil compaction issue in the
Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) context. The driving force (DPSIR-D) is
the farmers’ efforts to sustain economic viability. This entails a steady increase in the
size and weight of the agricultural machinery (DPSIR-P) exerting the specific pressures
on the soil system. Simulations using historical data for agricultural machinery show significant
increases in the mechanical stresses exerted on the soil profile during the last
five decades. Surveys and comparative measurements (DPSIR-S) in the literature indicate
that much of the European subsoil is compacted to critical levels for cropping.
This calls for changes in agricultural management (DPSIR-R). Mechanical stresses impact
the soil (DPSIR-I) by reducing the volume, dimensions, and interconnections of soil
pores. Subsequent impacts on ecosystem services (subtle DPSIR-I aspects) include a
decrease in crop production, an impaired soil filtering of pollutants, and the risk of
higher greenhouse gas emissions. The natural ability of compacted subsoil to recover
is poor. We highlight the need to expand the DPSIR concept to include a risk assessment
methodology to identify sustainable management systems. Risk assessment
involves the evaluation of the mechanistic causeeeffect chain of the compaction process.
Measured data as well as modeling indicate that contemporary tires are not able
to carry the loads frequently inflicted on wet soil without exerting critical stresses on
deep subsoil layers. We suggest the use of online modeling tools that combine existing
knowledge. Such tools may also create maps of vulnerable areas from the field to the
continent scale. Groups of stakeholders including researchers, farmers and their consultants,
and policy-makers need to identify sustainable traffic systems that secure both
presently focused ecosystem services as well as nonuse soil values (the bequest for
future generations).