What happens to the water flow when excess water is applied to a soil?

When excess water is applied to a soil, it can lead to runoff, which is the process by which water flows over the soil surface instead of infiltrating into it. This occurs when the soil reaches its saturation point, meaning it can no longer absorb additional water. As a result, the excess water accumulates on the surface and begins to flow away, often leading to water loss and potential erosion.

In contrast, increased flow due to excess water is limited by the soil's capacity to absorb moisture; once saturated, further application does not imply an increase in flow through the soil but rather leads to surface movement. The assertion that water will not move is incorrect, as it does move once saturation is surpassed, but in a way that contributes to runoff rather than infiltration. Similarly, while the intention behind applying water might be to improve infiltration for plant use, excessive water can inhibit that process by creating conditions that lead to surface runoff rather than enhancing soil absorption capabilities.