The effects of an artificial soil compaction on soil density, total porosity and soil resistance to penetration were studied with the aim to determine the level that obstructs root development of soybean. The work was carried out in greenhouse, with disturbed samples of surface horizon of an Ultisol ("Terra Roxa Estruturada") and an Oxisol ("Latossolo Roxo"), and controlling the level of compaction and the soil water content. The influence of soil compaction on root growth of soybean was evaluated one month after germination. The Ultisol showed higher soil density values than the Oxisol for the same compaction level. The optimum soil water content value for compaction was 21.0% in the Ultisol and 29.8% in the Oxisol. The increase on compaction level resulted (on the both soils) in an increase of mechanical impedance of penetration and decrease of total porosity. The increase in soil density of 0.90 to 1.30 kg/m³ in the Ultisol, and 0.90 to 1.23 kg/m³ in the Oxisol reduced the development of soybean roots, respectively, in 39 and 41%. The development of the soybean roots was severely reduced for soil density values of 1.30 and 1.23 kg/m³, respectively, in the Ultisol and in the Oxisol.
artificial soil compaction; soybean; root growth