From that liquid form, it can then return to the atmosphere by evaporation and start the cycle again. Capture Capture means the process of water from the atmosphere getting into the soil. All moisture received from the atmosphere, whether in liquid or solid form, should have the maximum opportunity to enter the ground where it falls. Managers of range and forest land can affect water capture by influencing how far the water infiltrates the soil surface and percolates. Infiltration is the movement of moisture from the atmosphere into and through the soil surface.
Percolation is the downward movement of water through the soil profile.
However, you can influence infiltration rates by managing vegetation. The form and pattern of vegetation for any site can be managed to give water the maximum opportunity to penetrate the surface where it falls. This minimizes the over the overland flow that causes erosion. Some moisture is captured in the foliage of trees and shrubs. Healthy vegetative cover with its accompanying root mass can keep soil more permeable so moisture readily percolates into the soil profile for storage.