According to instructors' emphasis on infiltration, low infiltration leads to what?

• A. High infiltration equals more erosion
• B. Low infiltration equals more runoff and erosion
• C. Infiltration does not affect erosion
• D. Low infiltration reduces runoff

Answer: (B)

When rainfall reaches the soil, the water either soaks in (infiltration) or stays on the surface as runoff. If infiltration is low, the soil can’t absorb water quickly, so more of the rain becomes surface runoff. That runoff has enough energy to detach and transport soil particles downslope, which increases erosion. In rangelands, bare or compacted soils often have reduced infiltration, making runoff and erosion worse after rains. Practices that improve infiltration—like maintaining cover, reducing soil compaction, and protecting soil structure—help lessen runoff and erosion.