What is the term for rapid water movement downward in large pores after a rain?

The term for rapid water movement downward in large pores after a rain is preferential flow. This phenomenon occurs when water moves through soil not uniformly but rather through pathways of least resistance, which are often large pores or cracks in the soil. These larger pores allow for quick drainage of water, bypassing smaller pores and the surrounding soil matrix.

In agricultural contexts, understanding preferential flow is important because it can lead to faster leaching of nutrients and potential pollutants beyond the root zone, impacting water quality and nutrient availability for plants. It also underscores the necessity for management practices that account for soil structure and the variability in water movement within the soil profile.

Assessing how water interacts with different soil types, including those with high macroporosity, can be vital for effective irrigation and crop management strategies.