Capillarity & Infiltration Rate of Soil (Leaving Cert Agricultural Science): Flashcards

Water's upward movement through soil pores against gravity

mm h$^{-1}$ (millimetres per hour)

Finer pores create stronger capillary forces

Dramatically reduces infiltration rate by blocking macropores

$\frac{\text{depth infiltrated}}{\text{time}}$ = mm h$^{-1}$

Allow faster water entry into soil

Surface runoff and waterlogging

Better infiltration, drainage, and aeration

Avoid trafficking on wet soils

Surface tension and adhesion