The factors that affect runoff and sediment yield include vegetation, soil, rainfall, topography, and meteorological conditions. Vegetation refers to the amount and nature of plants that cover the ground. Lack of adequate vegetation accelerates runoff and causes increased soil erosion, thus, high sediment yield. On the other hand, well-aerated soil supports infiltration, therefore reducing the rate of runoff. Loosely-held soil is easily carried away by water contributing to high sediment yield and runoff. Heavy rainfall that lasts for a short period makes it difficult for water to permeate into the soil, therefore resulting in the runoff.
Additionally, it causes severe soil erosion, leading to sediment yield. Topography refers to the nature of the gradient of a given area. Sloppy lands do not give room for water to infiltrate into the soil. Thus, they are prone to runoff and high sediment yield due to erosion. Metrological conditions like temperature influence infiltration and evaporation and may have indirect impacts on runoff and sediment yield. On the other hand, conditions such as wind, altitude, and barometric pressure influence storms and may contribute to runoff and sediment yield.