[Objective] Using municipal solid waste and coarse gravels which were produced during quarrying process and were left in the abandoned mines can produce a new growth substrate for plants. The effects of different compaction degrees on that kind of soil moisture content and the plants growing on it were researched to find ways to improve the disadvantageous site condition.[Methods] Mixtures of gravels and municipal solid waste(8:2 by volume) were compacted to different extents and its effects on soil water content and plant growth were studied.[Results] Soil water content was significantly enhanced by compaction and the differences among soil layers decreased. The layers that plants consumed water from upper under severer compaction. Plants responded differently to compaction. Aboveground growths of Robinia pseudoacacia and Medicago sativa were significantly declined in compacted soils, but the growth of Platycladus orientalis showed a sign of increase. The growths of all three species in two moderately compacted soils implied that plants can acclimate themselves to habitant.[Conclusion] A certain degree of compaction is suitable for plant growth, and compaction can be applied during revegetation in abandoned quarries.