What term describes the movement of water through soil?

The term that describes the movement of water through soil is percolation. This process involves water filtering through the spaces between soil particles, moving downward due to gravity. It is crucial for the natural replenishment of groundwater and affects both plant growth and soil health.

Understanding percolation is fundamental for various fields such as agriculture, environmental science, and real estate since it impacts drainage systems and water availability. The effective movement of water through soil is essential for ensuring that plants receive adequate moisture while also preventing waterlogging and associated issues.

Other terms listed, while related to water movement, do not specifically describe this process. For instance, absorption refers to how plants take up water, filtration typically involves the process of removing impurities from liquids, and pervious flow is not a widely recognized term in the context of soil water movement. Thus, percolation stands out as the accurate term for describing how water travels through the soil.