ZusammenfassungDie Bodenverdichtung ist ein aktuelles Problem der intensiven Grünlandwirtschaft. Daher wurden in einem repräsentativen öster-reichischen Grünlandgebiet SummarySoil compaction caused by intensive grassland management is a worldwide problem. Therefore, in typical permanent grassland soils (Cambisol, Planosol, Gleysol) bulk density (BD), penetration resistance (PR) and pore volume to a depth of 30 cm at 22 different sites in a representative Austrian grassland region were determined. Moreover, the relationships between these soil properties and the incidence of indicator species for soil compaction were evaluated. Our results show that the compaction status depends on soil properties and type and intensity of grassland management. The susceptibility to compaction decreases with increasing humus and clay content in the soil. At high intensity of use, permanent grassland soils can be classified as moderately compacted. Intensive cattle treading has the greatest compacting effect, leading to compaction mainly in the uppermost 15 cm of the soil. Tractor traffic causes soil compaction to a depth of at least 25 cm. Mowing pastures are intermediate between meadows and pastures concerning extent and depth of soil compaction. A loamy grassland soil is harmfully compacted if a compacted layer (BD > 1,40 g/cm³ or PR > 2,00 MPa) within the uppermost 20 cm of the soil occurs. Indicator species such as Ranunculus repens are suitable for identifying soil compaction.