Which of the following is NOT listed as a water infiltration factor?

Which of the following is NOT listed as a water infiltration factor?

• A. Paving
• B. Overly compacted soils
• C. Excess agriculture
• D. Pollution

Answer: (D)

The question tests how factors influence how quickly water can move into the soil. Paving creates an impervious surface, so water cannot infiltrate and must run off. Overly compacted soils have reduced pore space, making infiltration slow or almost zero. Excess agriculture typically degrades soil structure and can lead to crusting or compaction, further reducing infiltration capacity. Pollution, however, concerns contaminants in water and soil and does not determine the rate at which water infiltrates. It affects water quality rather than infiltration capacity, so it isn’t a factor listed for infiltration.

The question tests how factors influence how quickly water can move into the soil. Paving creates an impervious surface, so water cannot infiltrate and must run off. Overly compacted soils have reduced pore space, making infiltration slow or almost zero. Excess agriculture typically degrades soil structure and can lead to crusting or compaction, further reducing infiltration capacity. Pollution, however, concerns contaminants in water and soil and does not determine the rate at which water infiltrates. It affects water quality rather than infiltration capacity, so it isn’t a factor listed for infiltration.