What term describes ground that is too hard and tightly packed to allow water or minerals to seep through?

The term that describes ground that is too hard and tightly packed to allow water or minerals to seep through is known as hardpan. Hardpan refers to a densely compacted layer of soil or sediment that resists moisture infiltration and root penetration, often leading to poor drainage and limited agricultural viability. Compaction, while related, refers more generally to the process of reducing the volume of soil by applying pressure, which can lead to hardpan formation but isn't specifically indicative of the impermeable nature needed to prevent water or mineral seepage.

Understanding hardpan is crucial in fields like agricultural management, landscaping, and environmental science, as it impacts root growth, water availability for plants, and soil health.