What happens if water is applied to soil at a rate greater than the infiltration rate?

When water is applied to soil at a rate greater than the infiltration rate, the soil cannot absorb all the water being introduced. As a result, the excess water will flow over the surface of the soil rather than penetrating into it. This phenomenon is known as runoff. Runoff can lead to several issues, such as erosion and reduced water availability for plants, as well as potential contamination of water bodies if pollutants are washed away with the water.

Infiltration rate is defined as the speed at which water enters the soil, determined by soil characteristics, moisture content, and other environmental factors. If the application rate surpasses this limit, the surplus water will inevitably lead to runoff, preventing the soil from properly utilizing the irrigation applied.

This context clarifies why runoff is the correct response, revealing the important relationship between water application rates and soil infiltration capacities.