The structure of the soil is influenced by several factors, including:
- granulometric composition, i.e., the content of individual fractions such as sand, dust, and clay
- organic matter and humus content
- soil moisture status
- method of soil cultivation

Soil consists of mineral and organic components. The latter is organic matter, from which humus is formed; humus acts as a binder, facilitating the achievement of the desired soil structure. Similarly, calcium, when provided through fertilizers, influences both the regulation of soil pH and its structure.

Lumpy soil
Soil scientists distinguish several types of soil structure, but from an agricultural point of view, we are most interested in the lumpy structure. It creates the best conditions for root growth while maintaining appropriate water-air ratios.

Crumbs are small soil aggregates comprising individual mineral soil fractions and humus. However, connection durability is crucial, as it must resist water action (excess water spoils the structure by causing disintegration of crumbs and erosion of individual soil fractions). These connections should also withstand weather conditions and agricultural practices performed by the farmer. Unfortunately, significant damage to soils can result from these practices. Each cultivation treatment destroys some aggregates, which can be restored over time through methods such as introducing organic matter into the soil or liming.

According to various sources, it is recommended that aggregates should be 1-10 mm in size. Larger aggregates can cause issues with soil clumping, while smaller ones can result in excessive dusting, especially with intensive cultivation of lighter soils using active tools. Ploughing can negatively impact soil structure, whereas simplified cultivation is gentler. Heavier soils tend to clump and form larger aggregates more easily. Soils with a higher content of fine mineral particles, such as dust or clay, bind with humus and tend to form larger aggregates. Conversely, soils with low humus content tend to dust, leading to several consequences, including reduced water retention.

Structure-forming processes
Can be categorized into natural processes and those that can be influenced by human intervention. Natural processes include:
- frost: water freezing in the soil causes the natural formation of lumps of various sizes
- water content in the soil: excess water in the soil reduces air content, preventing the proper maintenance of soil structure as the aggregates clump together
- drought: decreasing soil moisture induces movements that affect the formation of soil aggregates.
Processes that can be influenced by farmers to improve soil structure include crop rotation and land cultivation.

The importance of crop rotation
Proper crop rotation involves alternating the cultivation of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, as well as spring and winter crops. Cereals with a fibrous root system, commonly used in crop rotations, can degrade soil structure. Conversely, rapeseed or legume species with tap roots reaching depths of 1.5-2 meters are beneficial. After harvesting cereals, it is recommended to mix crop residues into the soil to a depth of 12-15 cm, preferably in two stages, with the first stage being shallower. Subsequently, deeper soil loosening to around 20-25 cm is advised (or deeper if a plough sole is present), as this is where the main root mass will be found. After rapeseed or beet, cultivation to a depth of 12-15 cm is sufficient.

Proper soil cultivation
Cultivation can rapidly degrade soil structure. It is widely recognized that wet soil should not be cultivated. Dry soil cultivation is preferable to moist soil cultivation. However, if moist soil must be cultivated, it should be done shallowly. The drier the soil, the deeper it can be cultivated. When moist soil is cultivated, it becomes excessively compacted, causing air to be expelled by tractor and machine wheels. In such compacted areas, water pools form, and plant development during vegetation is hindered if compaction has not been addressed. A plough sole can also form, not only during ploughing but also during consistent, simplified cultivation at the same depth. This can be mitigated by subsoiling with equipment such as Rolmako subsoilers or chisel ploughs like the U624. However, these procedures should not be performed in overly moist soil, as it leads to smearing at the contact points with the working element, preventing root growth through the compaction.

Terminology
Soil aggregates – clusters of different shapes and sizes with varying durability, formed in the soil through the merging of individual mineral grains. They constitute the structure of the soil.
Humous level – ideally around 5% in fertile arable soil; most soils in Poland have a humus content of 1.5-2%, with some soils containing as little as 0.5%.