This paper examined the extent of soil compaction due to cattle traffic around both hardwood and softwood tree seedlings, established in an existing pasture and subject to cattle pressure. Results showed that soil moisture levels for the Apk horizon were not significantly different between the treatments in any of the five months tested. Therefore, the penetration differences between the two treatments cannot be attributed to differences in soil moisture, but to changes in soil structure (dry bulk density) caused by cattle trafficking in the plots. In a separate but related study, the effects of different levels of soil compaction on tree seeding growth were also examined. Results showed that water infiltration and nitrogen uptake were reduced in soils treated with a medium and high level of compaction. Therefore, tree seedlings experienced a slower growth rate.
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