7 Important Terms to Know Within the Vertical of Landscaping
What is Infiltration?
Infiltration refers to the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil. The rate of infiltration is influenced by soil texture, compaction, organic content, and surface conditions.
Why Does Infiltration Matter in Facility Management?
- Determines irrigation efficiency and how much water plants actually receive.
- Impacts stormwater management and reduces pooling around buildings.
- Influences the design of smart irrigation schedules to minimize oversaturation and wastage.
Infiltration in the Context of Saudi Arabia
In arid regions, sandy soils typically have high infiltration rates, meaning water passes quickly beyond the root zone. FM teams must adjust irrigation cycles using short, frequent bursts or drip systems to avoid deep percolation losses.
What is Percolation?
Percolation is the downward movement of water through soil layers after infiltration. It defines how water travels deeper into the sub-surface.
Why Does Percolation Matter in Facility Management?
- Determines irrigation efficiency and how much water plants actually receive.
- Impacts stormwater management and reduces pooling around buildings.
- Influences the design of smart irrigation schedules to minimize oversaturation and wastage.
Percolation in the Context of Saudi Arabia
In arid regions, sandy soils typically have high infiltration rates, meaning water passes quickly beyond the root zone. FM teams must adjust irrigation cycles using short, frequent bursts or drip systems to avoid deep percolation losses.
What is Runoff?
Runoff occurs when rainfall or irrigation water flows over the ground surface instead of being absorbed.
Why Does Runoff Matter in Facility Management?
- Causes soil erosion, nutrient loss, and landscape degradation.
- Wastes irrigation water and increases operating costs.
- May lead to structural issues when water accumulates near buildings or hardscape elements.
Runoff in the Context of Saudi Arabia
Runoff increases during seasonal storms due to low natural vegetation cover. Proper grading, mulching, and soil conditioning help facility managers reduce water loss and protect landscaping investments.
CAPILLARY ACTION
What is Capillary Action?
Capillary action is the movement of water through soil pores against gravity due to surface tension forces.
Why Does Capillary Action Matter in Facility Management?
- Helps maintain root-zone moisture between irrigation cycles.
- Supports plant survival in high-temperature environments.
- Influences the choice of soil amendments and mulching strategies.
Capillary Action in the Context of Saudi Arabia
In sandy soils with limited capillary lift, FM teams often improve moisture retention using organic amendments, polymer conditioners, or specialized topdressing.
ALBEDO EFFECT
What is the Albedo Effect?
The albedo effect describes the reflectivity of a surface; how much solar radiation it reflects versus absorbs.
Why Does The Albedo Effect Matter in Facility Management?
- Landscapes with higher albedo reduce heat buildup in outdoor areas.
- Affects microclimate comfort in pedestrian zones.
- Impacts surface temperatures around buildings, influencing energy consumption.
The Albedo Effect in the Context of Saudi Arabia
In high-heat regions, plant species with brighter foliage and the strategic use of ground cover can help mitigate extreme surface temperatures, supporting thermal comfort objectives under Vision 2030 sustainability mandates.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS & CARBON SEQUESTRATION
What are They?
Photosynthesis is the biological process through which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy.
Carbon sequestration refers to the long-term storage of carbon in plant biomass and soils.
Why Do They Matter in Facility Management?
- Healthy landscapes contribute to air quality improvement.
- Green spaces help offset carbon emissions from facility operations.
- Tree planting strategies become part of sustainability KPIs and environmental reporting.
Photosynthesis & Carbon Sequestration in the Context of Saudi Arabia
Under initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative, FM providers increasingly use native and adaptive species capable of high photosynthetic efficiency and greater long-term carbon storage.
SOIL RESPIRATION
What is Soil Respiration?
Soil respiration is the release of carbon dioxide from soil due to microbial activity and root processes. It is a key indicator of soil health.
Why Does Soil Respiration Matter in Facility Management?
- High soil respiration generally signals active, healthy soil with good nutrient cycling.
- Extremely low respiration may indicate poor soil structure, salinity issues, or compaction.
- Guides decisions related to soil amendment, aeration, and organic matter management.
Soil Respiration in the Context of Saudi Arabia
In compacted urban soils common in newly developed areas, FM teams may need routine aeration programs and organic enrichment to maintain optimal soil respiration levels and support long-term plant vitality.