The compaction of agricultural soil is a phenomenon of degradation, occurring from natural or artificial causes and is defined by the increase in soil density and the decrease in soil porosity, with negative consequences for the environment and for agriculture. Artificial soil compaction is generated by the contact between soil and tires or tracks of tractors and agricultural machinery. This paper presents some general mechanical concepts regarding the behavior of soil under compressive stresses and a review of some mathematical models which can be applied to describe the behavior of soil at compaction, under the influence of various parameters.