What condition describes soil that cannot absorb more water?

Soil saturation is the condition that describes soil that cannot absorb more water. When soil reaches saturation, all the void spaces between the soil particles are filled with water, leaving no capacity for additional water to be absorbed. This situation often leads to surface runoff, as any additional water will remain on the surface instead of being absorbed into the ground.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different conditions: soil depletion is associated with the removal of nutrients or organic matter from the soil, which affects its overall health and functionality but does not specifically address its ability to absorb water. Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space and typically decreasing water infiltration; however, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that the soil is saturated. Aerated soil refers to soil that has plenty of air spaces, allowing for proper drainage and aeration, which is essential for plant roots and microbial activity. Thus, understanding soil saturation is crucial when considering the effectiveness of septic systems and their reliance on soil's ability to absorb and filter water.