soil absorption coefficient

The soil absorption coefficient measures how quickly water passes through soil. It's like a rating that indicates whether soil absorbs water rapidly or slowly. Sandy soils have a high absorption coefficient because water moves through them easily, while clay soils have a low coefficient because they hold water longer and allow less to drain. This value helps in designing drainage systems, septic drain fields, and managing water flow, ensuring proper percolation and preventing issues like flooding or waterlogging. Essentially, it describes how receptive the soil is to water moving downward.