Infiltration

Definition

Infiltration is the process by which water enters the soil surface. Crusting, compaction and bare ground reduce it, which increases runoff and erosion, while stable aggregates, living roots and a cover of plants or mulch help it. Ponding for a long time after rain on flat ground is a visible sign of poor infiltration. Because rain that does not soak in cannot be stored for crops, poor infiltration affects both flooding and drought resilience. See also: Runoff, Compaction, Soil structure, and the guide "Soil Compaction and the Loss of Soil Structure".