The researchers studied how soil becomes hard and compact when it dries out, making it difficult to cultivate. They looked at different types of soil and measured how well they retained water. By analyzing the water retention data, they were able to predict the soil's hard-setting behavior without needing to test its mechanical strength. They found that as the soil's density increased, it became more prone to hard-setting. Additionally, they discovered that the amount of calcium carbonate in the soil was related to its hard-setting properties. These findings show that by examining water retention data, we can predict how soil will behave when it dries out, which can help farmers better manage their land.