Final answer:
Soil texture affects the balance between surface runoff and water infiltration. Clay soils have a higher water-holding capacity and slower infiltration rate, promoting more surface runoff, while sandy soils have a lower water-holding capacity and faster infiltration rate, resulting in less surface runoff.
Step-by-step explanation:
The balance between surface runoff and water infiltration into the ground is influenced by soil texture. Soil texture refers to the sizes of particles that make up the soil, such as clay or sand. Clay soils have many small spaces where water can reside, while sandy soils have larger spaces. As a result, clay soils have a higher water-holding capacity and slower infiltration rate, promoting more surface runoff compared to sandy soils.
For example, in a heavy rainfall event, clay soils are more likely to become saturated with water and produce surface runoff, while sandy soils can quickly infiltrate water into the ground with less surface runoff.