Infiltration is the

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Let's understand what Infiltration is in simple terms, especially when we talk about water and soil, like in Irrigation Engineering.

Imagine it raining, or you're watering your garden. What happens to the water?

Infiltration is essentially how water gets *into* the soil from the ground surface.

Let's look at the options:

Option B: absorption of water by soil surface
This is definitely a part of infiltration! The very first step for water to enter the soil is for the soil's surface to 'soak up' or 'absorb' the water. Think of a sponge soaking up water. This is the starting point of the whole process.

Option A: movement of water through the soil
Once the water is absorbed by the surface (as explained in Option B), it doesn't just stay right at the top. It starts to move *downward* into the soil's deeper layers, flowing *through* the tiny spaces (pores) between the soil particles. This downward movement into and through the soil is also a crucial part of what we call infiltration.

So, infiltration isn't just about the water sitting *on* the surface; it's about it getting *in* and then moving *through* the soil.

Therefore, the most complete and correct answer is Option C: both (A) and (B).

Infiltration involves both the initial absorption of water at the soil surface and the subsequent movement of that water downwards through the soil itself. It's a very important concept in Irrigation Engineering because it tells us how much water actually enters the soil to be used by plants, and how much might run off.