Chapter 14, Problem 2FQ

To determine

Some of the ways in which vegetation influences infiltration and runoff.

Answer to Problem 2FQ

The infiltration of precipitation falling on the ground is characteristically enhanced by vegetation due to soil development, and decelerating the precipitation delivery rate at which where water reaches the ground.

Explanation of Solution

Vegetation interrupts the precipitation and thus, slowing down the speed of water drops. This slowing down reduces the delivery rate of precipitation to the ground, thereby permitting better infiltration.

Vegetation also promotes infiltration as it absorbs soil water and gives back it to the atmosphere through transpiration. As the vegetation cover over an area absorbs the water reaching the ground as precipitation, the soil does not easily get saturated and thus, could accommodate more water into it. This reduces the rate of runoff and increases inflitration.