Question

what is the relationship between percolation rate of soil and its water absorbing capacity?

Answer 1

Percolation means the water retention capacity of the soil... Which is different from water absorbing capacity of the soil...
Regards

Answer 2

Absorption of water:  The capacity of the soil to hold water before it starts dripping is called its water absorption capacity. All types of soil do not absorb water in the same way.
This property of soil can be understood by performing an activity using plastic funnel with filter paper. A dry powdered soil is poured in the funnel. Now pour water drop by drop on the soil. Pour water evenly over the soil; continue pouring till the water starts dripping.
The percentage of water absorbed is calculated by using the following formula
=  U - V Solid Weight × 100 
Where,
U= Initial weight of water
V = Final weight of water
 Percolation rate of water in soil:  The phenomenon of absorption of water by soil is termed as percolation. The rate of absorption is different for different types of soils. The rate of absorption of a soil depends on its composition. A soil with more percolation rate can hold water for longer time. On the other hand a soil with poor percolation rate will hold water for shorter time. Percolation rate helps in selection of suitable soil for crop growth.


  Percolation rate = Amount of water (ml) Percolation time (min)