Different soil types have varying effects on infiltration rates, which in turn influence the occurrence of overland flow. Sandy soils, with large particle sizes and high porosity, allow rapid infiltration of water, reducing the likelihood of overland flow. On the contrary, clayey soils, characterized by small particle sizes and low porosity, have slower infiltration rates, making them more prone to overland flow during heavy rainfall. Loamy soils, which are a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, typically have moderate infiltration rates and are less susceptible to overland flow compared to clayey soils. Soil structure, organic matter content, and the presence of a soil crust also affect infiltration. Compacted soils and soils with a crust have reduced infiltration rates, increasing the risk of overland flow. Therefore, soil management practices that maintain soil structure and prevent compaction are essential for managing overland flow.

Vegetation plays a crucial role in influencing the occurrence and effects of overland flow. It increases the soil's capacity to absorb water through root systems, which create pores and channels in the soil, enhancing infiltration. The presence of vegetation also slows down the velocity of overland flow, reducing soil erosion. Plants and trees intercept rainfall, reducing the volume of water that reaches the ground and thereby decreasing the potential for overland flow. Vegetative cover also acts as a natural filter, trapping sediments and pollutants carried by runoff, which helps to maintain water quality. In areas with sparse vegetation, overland flow is more likely to occur and can have more severe consequences, such as increased soil erosion and sediment transport. The management of vegetation cover is thus an important aspect of controlling and mitigating the effects of overland flow in various environments.

Changes in channel flow can have significant ecological impacts on river systems. An increase in flow velocity, often caused by heavy rainfall or snowmelt, can lead to erosion of riverbanks and the riverbed, altering the habitat for aquatic life. This can disrupt the breeding and feeding patterns of fish and other aquatic organisms. On the other hand, a decrease in flow, possibly due to droughts or upstream water extraction, can lead to reduced habitat availability and lower water quality. Lower flows can increase the concentration of pollutants and decrease oxygen levels in the water, adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, changes in flow patterns can influence the distribution and abundance of plant species along riverbanks and floodplains, affecting the entire riparian ecosystem. Maintaining natural flow regimes is crucial for preserving the ecological balance of river systems.

Urbanization significantly alters the patterns and impacts of overland flow due to the increase in impervious surfaces like roads, pavements, and buildings. These surfaces prevent water from infiltrating into the soil, leading to an increase in the volume and velocity of surface runoff. The rapid concentration of runoff in urban areas can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to urban flooding. Additionally, urban runoff tends to carry a variety of pollutants, including oils, heavy metals, and sediments, which can degrade water quality in rivers and streams. Urbanization also reduces the natural buffering and absorption capacity of the landscape, diminishing the ecosystem's ability to handle excess water. These changes highlight the need for effective urban planning and the implementation of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), like green roofs and permeable pavements, to mitigate the adverse impacts of urbanization on overland flow.

To measure and monitor overland flow and channel flow in rivers, several methods are employed. For overland flow, techniques such as the use of runoff plots and tracer studies are common. Runoff plots are small, controlled areas where rainfall and runoff are measured to assess the volume and rate of overland flow. Tracer studies involve adding a harmless dye or isotope to the water and tracking its movement to understand flow patterns. For channel flow, stream gauges are widely used. These gauges measure the water level in a river or stream, and through established relationships between water level and flow rate, the discharge can be calculated. Additionally, velocity meters, such as propeller and acoustic Doppler velocimeters, are used to measure the speed of water flow directly. Remote sensing technologies, including satellite imagery and aerial photography, are increasingly used for larger-scale monitoring of river flows and flood events. These methods provide vital data for hydrological research, water resource management, and flood forecasting.