Rapid Soil Permeability?

Question

If a soil has rapid permeability is it a good thing or a bad thing and why?

Answer 1

It depends on the purpose of the soil.

Permeability refers to the degree of connection among the pores/spaces in a material. More connections means it's easier for fluids to pass through it.

If you want soil where water/fluid can run through quickly (you want this for extraction of oil and groundwater), then highly permeable soil and materials are for you.

If you want soil that can act as a fluid barrier (to prevent leaching and eventual contamination of groundwater in dumpsites, for example), then you need impermeable soil, say, one that's rich in clay.