What is Infiltration and Why is it Important

What is infiltration?

The process of water soaking into the soil is infiltration. “Infiltration rate” is simply how fast water enters the soil and is usually measured in inches or millimeters per hour. This rate depends on soil texture (amount of sand, silt, and clay) and on soil structure. Soils in good condition have well developed structure and continuous pores to the surface. As a result, water from rainfall or snowmelt readily enters these soils.

Why is infiltration important?

Soil is a reservoir that stores water for plant growth. The water in soil is replenished by infiltration. The infiltration rate can be restricted by poor management. Under these conditions, the water does not readily enter the soil and it moves downslope as runoff or ponds on the surface, where it evaporates. Thus, less water is stored in the soil for plant growth, and plant production decreases, resulting in less organic matter in the soil and weakened soil structure that can further decrease the infiltration rate.

Runoff can cause soil erosion and the formation of gullies. It also carries nutrients and organic matter, which, together with sediment, reduce water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes. The sediment reduces the capacity of reservoirs to store water. Excessive runoff can cause flooding, erode streambanks, and damage roads. Runoff from adjacent slopes can saturate soils in low areas or can create ponded areas, thus killing upland plants. Evaporation in the ponded areas reduces the amount of water available to plants.

Please manage your soil properly in order to prevent the restriction of infiltration. Attempt to deter runoff that may cause gullies and other types of damage.


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