Soil compaction is a growing concern in modern agriculture due to the increasing weight and size of farming machinery. As these machines become heavier and larger, they exert pressure on the soil, which can damage its structure and reduce its ability to hold air and water. This issue has become more pronounced over the years, as shown by a comparison of agricultural equipment from 1980 and 2025 conducted by the Federation of Cuma of the West. For example, a John Deere tractor with 200 horsepower weighs 8.6 tonnes, compared to a Renault tractor with 85 horsepower that weighed 3.6 tonnes in 1980. Although the pressure applied to the ground is the same, the surface area affected is significantly larger, increasing the risk of soil compaction. Manure spreaders have also grown in size and weight. A 2025 model that can carry 18,000 liters weighs 12 tonnes when empty and 30 tonnes when full, compared to a 1980 model that carried 6,000 liters and weighed 2 tonnes when empty. Despite the lower pressure per unit area, the larger contact surface and increased number of passes on the ground contribute to greater compaction risk. This is further exacerbated by the fact that the two axles of modern manure spreaders double the number of passes on the soil, increasing the overall impact. Soil compaction affects the soil's ability to function properly by reducing its porosity, which is crucial for water infiltration, aeration, and biological activity. A well-structured soil contains about 50% pores filled with air or water, and compaction disrupts this balance. Factors such as the type of soil, moisture levels, and the mechanical resistance of the soil play a role in how easily compaction occurs. Clayey soils are more resistant to compaction than loamy soils, and the presence of organic matter can improve soil structure and resistance. Soil porosity created by biological activity, such as earthworms and plant roots, is more resilient to compaction than that created by mechanical work. To address soil compaction, farmers can use three main strategies: prevention, diagnosis, and correction. Prevention involves understanding the soil's bearing capacity before any agricultural activity, considering factors like humidity and soil structure. Techniques such as no-till farming and cover cropping can improve soil resilience. On the equipment side, proper tire inflation is crucial. Several tools, such as the Agro Tyre Pressure app and Michelin AgroPressure, help calculate the correct tire pressure based on the tractor model, load, and working conditions. These tools allow farmers to reduce pressure to protect the soil while maintaining tire integrity. Some manufacturers have developed tires with improved flexibility to support heavy loads with lower pressure, enhancing traction and fuel efficiency. Despite these measures, soil compaction can still occur, and regular soil diagnosis using methods such as the spade test, 3D mini-profile, and penetrometry is essential. These methods help farmers detect compaction and take corrective actions when necessary.