The ability of a soil to absorb surface water.
In hydrologic terms, the maximum rate at which water can enter the soil at a particular point under a given set of conditions.
The maximum rate at which a given soil in a given condition can absorb rain as it falls.
The maximum rate at which water can enter the ground water table.
The maximum rate at which infiltration can occur under specific soil moisture conditions.
The maximum rate at which the soil can absorb falling rain or melting snow. Usually expressed in inches/hour or centimeters/second.
( Ped.). The rate of penetration of still, clear water downwards into a soil. ( BCFT). Cf. Permeability.
The maximum rate at which precipitation can pass through the surface into the soil, for a given soil in a given condition.