The first September rains arrived after an entire summer without rain, bringing natural relief to those who have gardens and vegetable patches. With the end of daily watering and the earth seemingly drinking water, it is common to feel that the drought has ended. However, the article warns that this first rain is rarely the blessing it appears to be.
The main problem is that soil that has spent three months in the sun does not absorb water in the same way as soil that is already moist. In the first minutes, much of the water that falls does not enter the soil. Instead of soaking in, it runs off the surface, collects in the paths and flows away, taking with it the most fertile layer of the bed.
The phenomenon is explained by the fact that very dry soil, especially when it contains organic matter, becomes temporarily resistant to water entry. The droplets stay on the surface instead of infiltrating, creating what is called surface runoff. This occurs when the rain intensity exceeds the soil's infiltration capacity.
Rain during the early stages of plant development can also be harmful if it is too intense. The article therefore offers a warning: care must be taken in the garden before the soil becomes waterlogged, because water that appears beneficial may actually cause more damage than good.
