The ability of maize roots to grow through compacted soil is not dependent on the amount of roots formed

•Soil compaction influenced the proportion of coarse roots (i.e. > 1 mm diameter) of maize in a genotype-dependent manner.•Rooting depth was reduced and root distribution within the soil profile changed when grown in compacted soil.•Under compaction, root depth, total length, coarse length, and fine length were not correlated•The ability of roots of different genotypes to reach a certain depth was not related to the amount of roots formed.