Infiltration

Infiltration is the name given to the phenomenon of

liquid intake by porous media. Simple definition of it
is the flow of water through soils surface. It is one of
the most important components of hydrological
phenomena. It has great influence on rainfall, runoff,
transpiration of plants and evaporation from soil
surface. Infiltration replenishes soil moisture
deficiency . Infiltration is governed by two forces,
gravity, and capillary action. This part of water is
called percolation.
The maximum rate at which the soil in any given
condition is capable of absorbing water is called
infiltration capacity, ƒ. The capacity ƒ on dry
surface or soil condition begins with a high rate
initially and decreases to a fairly steady state as the
rain continues.
Factors affecting
infiltration
Intensity of rainfall
If the intensity of rainfall is more, the impact of
raindrops on the soils to be displaced and these in
turn can clog the pore spaces in the upper layers and
hence reduces infiltration. When there is no more
spaces for infiltration, the water will runoff.
Duration of the rainfall
If rainfall duration is more, initially infiltration is
more, longer rainfall duration saturates the upper
layer of soil and after infiltration becomes steady if
rain continues.