Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of compacted soil?

The characteristic of compacted soil that is not applicable is its higher moisture retention. When soil is compacted, the process reduces the air spaces, or voids, between soil particles, which can lead to lower overall porosity. This means that while compacted soil has enhanced load-bearing capacity, reduced void spaces, and improved resistance to erosion, its ability to retain moisture is generally diminished. In compacted soils, water can move through more quickly, and there might be less available space to hold moisture, leading to lower moisture retention compared to more loose or uncompact soils.

Thus, while other benefits are associated with compacted soils, such as increased stability and strength, the expectation of higher moisture retention does not hold true in this context.