Percolation
/per-koh-LAY-shun/🪨 Soil Types●● Intermediate
Also known as: perc rate, infiltration
The process by which water filters through soil pores from the surface downward. Percolation rate depends on soil texture, structure, and compaction. A percolation test (perc test) measures how quickly water drains and is used to assess drainage capacity for planting and construction.
Etymology
Latin percolare (to filter through), from per (through) + colare (to strain)
Example
“Perform a percolation test before planting: dig a hole, fill with water, and time how fast it drains.”