A pot experiment was carried out using soils,1.2 and 1.5 g cm^-3 in bulk den ity,was experimented to study effects of soil compaction on soil respiration intensity and CO₂ concen tration in various soil layers,and responses of cucumber to soil compaction in plant growth and fruit quality.Results show that CO₂ concentration and respiration in tensity in the soil layers below the surface in the compacted soil(CS) were higher than in the loose soil(LS).The extension of roots was hindered in CS,leading to significantly lower dry weight of the roots,decreased root/shoot ratio,and lower fresh weight and dry weight of shoots,too,but certain increase in drymatter content.Fewer extended leaves,more yellow leaves and earlier senescence were found of the plants in CS that in LS A nd further more,fruit expansion rate suppressed,soluble sugar content in fruit lowered,contents of soluble protein and organic acid significantly in creased,sugar/acid ratio declined sharply,and fruit flavor worsened.