definition
Improving the soil infiltration capacity means improving the permeability of the soil. If the infiltration capacity of the soil is increased, more water will percolate into the soil and less water will runoff directly. This will reduce peak runoff and promoted groundwater recharge.Co-benefits and impacts
In most areas where water shortages occur, maximizing the infiltration of rainfall into soil is indispensable to achieving food and water security. Exceptions are where rainwater harvesting is necessary for crop production and where high infiltration can lead to risks of landslides or other forms of mass movement(FAO, Hydrology, soil architecture and water movement, accessed on Sept. 2016).
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FRI indicators (Show all)
Infiltration capacity of paved areas to reduce runoffProtection against soil erosion
Last modified: Sept. 15, 2016, 10:54 a.m.