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Soil dynamics, a phase of soil science and mechanics concerned with soils in motion, may be defined as the relation between forces applied to the soil and the resultant soil reaction. This definition does not restrict the source of the force applied to the soil; consequently, the dynamic reactions that, result from the natural forces of wind, water, and other sources are included. Reactions due to wind and water are of paramount importance in erosion and hydrology and the mechanics of these reactions are being studied (72, 391).

Only reactions caused by mechanical forces applied directly to the soil are considered here. The dynamic reactions of soil in tillage and soil are considered here. The dynamic reactions of soil in tillage and traction affect the design and use of machines that handle soil. Because the interrelations are of primary interest, the tool (or traction device) and the soil must be considered together.