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Short- and long-term effects of subsoiling four soils were closely related to variations in soil structure and consistence. Penetration resistance decreased when shear failure was accomplished by fracturing. Plastic failure in a near saturated, clayey subsoil did not affect penetration resistance. Penetration resistance of a firm, clayey subsoil with weak to moderately strong structure was lower than presubsoiling levels 2 years after subsoiling. In soils with strong structure, fracturing may occur between peds, which in time settle back to their approximate original configuration. More intra-pedal fracturing probably occurs in soils with weaker structure, thus reducing average ped size and increasing interpedal macropore volume, even after settling. Subsoiling of a loose, sandy soil decreased penetration resistance for at least 4 months, but after 4 years no residual effect was found. Only in the sandy soil did subsoiling have any noticeable effect on soil moisture content. Vertical filling of the blade and mole channels with A1 horizon material resulted in increased moisture content in the mole channel 4 months after subsoiling. After 4 years, moisture content in the A1 horizon remained higher in the vicinity of the channel. This may be due to increased upward movement of water through the more highly organic A1 horizon material that had infiltrated along the blade channel.