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Surface soil physical properties were measured at 3 sites within an area where topsoil had been removed, and a nearby area where no topsoil had been removed. Most physical parameters which affect plant growth were significantly better at the undisturbed site, and worst at the site with the least pasture cover. Penetration resistance was the best physical parameter at distinguishing between the 4 sites. The differences in physical properties at the sites within the topsoil removal area are consistent with compaction of the surface soil during earthmoving operations.
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Cook et al. (1986) studied this question.
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