Which term describes the effect of vegetative cover and soil surface conditions on runoff potential?

The term that best describes the effect of vegetative cover and soil surface conditions on runoff potential is "hydrologic condition." This concept encompasses how different types of vegetation, soil types, and their conditions influence water movement, infiltration, and ultimately, the amount of runoff generated during precipitation events.

Vegetative cover plays a crucial role in intercepting rainfall, promoting infiltration, and reducing the speed at which water reaches the soil surface. Different plants and soil types can absorb water at varying rates, which alters how much water is available to runoff. For example, well-vegetated areas generally allow for more water absorption compared to barren or compacted soils, leading to reduced runoff.

Understanding these hydrologic conditions is vital for effective stormwater management, as they help in predicting how landscapes will respond to rainfall and planning appropriately to mitigate flooding or erosion issues.