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A higher irrigation application rate indicates a potential for increased runoff because when the volume of water applied to a field exceeds the soil's ability to absorb it, the excess water cannot infiltrate and is likely to flow over the surface of the ground. This is particularly relevant in cases where the soil is already saturated or has low permeability.

In contrast, lower soil moisture content would typically result from insufficient irrigation, not from increased application rates. Higher crop yield potential can be affected by various factors including irrigation rates, but simply having a higher irrigation application does not guarantee improved yields—it may lead to oversaturation and reduced productivity instead. Increased water conservation efforts usually involve improved irrigation practices that aim to use less water more efficiently, which is contrary to high application rates. Thus, the relationship between high irrigation application rates and potential runoff is the clearest indicator in this scenario.