What is the term for the downward entry of water into the surface of a soil?

Infiltration refers to the process by which water enters the soil surface and moves downward through the soil profile. This is crucial in understanding how water interacts with the landscape, as it affects not only the moisture levels within the soil but also the availability of water to plants and the overall hydrology of an area.

Infiltration is influenced by various factors such as soil texture, structure, and vegetation cover, which can either facilitate or impede the process. A well-structured soil with adequate organic matter typically has higher infiltration rates, allowing for efficient absorption of rainfall or irrigation water.

Understanding infiltration is vital in the contexts of landscaping, stormwater management, and grading design, helping professionals predict how water will move through the soil, which impacts drainage design, irrigation planning, and the management of runoff.

The other terms are distinct processes: percolation involves the downward movement of water through soil after it has infiltrated, evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor and leaving the surface, and hydrologic condition generally refers to the state of water in a specific area but does not specifically address the movement of water into the soil.