By, the Old Guy with the Pony Tail Soil Aeration: Soil aeration equipment comes in many shapes and sizes.  This equipment can range from very large units to smaller tow behind and walk behind units. Regardless of size, the primary objective of this equipment is to relieve compaction and open up the soil allowing detrimental gases to escape and allow air, water and nutrients to enter the soil and become available to the turf root system.