Soil Permeability
Soil permeability refers to the ability of soil to transmit water and air through its pores. This property is crucial for determining how well water drains through the ground, affecting plant growth and the health of ecosystems. Different types of soil, such as sand, silt, and clay, have varying levels of permeability, with sandy soils typically allowing water to flow more freely than clay soils.
Factors influencing soil permeability include soil texture, structure, and moisture content. For instance, compacted soils have reduced permeability, which can lead to waterlogging. Understanding soil permeability is essential for agriculture, construction, and environmental management.