28.2. Factors Affecting Infiltration

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define infiltration.

   Hint

   Think about what happens when it rains.

2. 2.

   What type of soil typically has the highest infiltration rate?

   Hint

   Consider which soil particles allow water to move through easily.

3. 3.

   What type of soil has the fastest infiltration rate?

   • Clay
   • Silt
   • Sand

   Hint

   Remember the soil texture hierarchy.

4. 4.

   True or False: Higher vegetation cover typically leads to lower infiltration rates.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how plants interact with rain.

5. 5.

   A farmer has sandy soil and wants to increase water retention. What agricultural practices could help achieve this while maintaining high infiltration?

   Hint

   Think about practices that improve soil quality without compromising its permeability.

6. 6.

   Describe how changing land use from agricultural to urban might affect local hydrology and infiltration rates.

   Hint

   Consider the changes in surface characteristics between these two types of land use.