What is the term for the movement of dissolved nutrients, chemicals, or pollutants by water as they are transported downward through the soil layers?

Explanation

Leaching refers to the process where water dissolves and carries nutrients, chemicals, or contaminants downward through the soil profile. This distinguishes it from infiltration (water entering the soil surface), percolation (movement of water through soil pores), and seeping (slow water movement), which are related but different processes.