How does the absorption rate of soil change as it reaches capacity?

As soil approaches its water capacity, the absorption rate begins to decrease. This is due to the fact that the soil's pore spaces, which initially absorb water efficiently, start to fill up as they reach saturation. When the soil is saturated, it cannot absorb any more water; instead, excess water will begin to run off or pool above the soil surface. Therefore, as the moisture content increases and approaches the soil's field capacity, the ability of the soil to absorb additional water diminishes, resulting in a decreasing absorption rate. Understanding this concept is crucial for effective irrigation practices, as it helps in determining the right timing and amount of water to apply to prevent oversaturation and waterlogging.