A pragmatic method to determine the parameters that characterize ponded infiltration

Abstract

A procedure is outlined to define those parameters which characterize the infiltration behaviour of a ponded soil. The parameters derive from actual field behaviour and are closely related to but not identical with soil physical properties of established theoretical significance, such as sorptivity and hydraulic conductivity of the transmission zone. For some soils an 'instantaneous' infiltration parameter is required as well as the long-term integral of the sorptivity phenomenon. Results are presented to illustrate the use of these parameters: (1) to distinguish between the infiltration behaviour of different soils; (2) to distinguish changes in the behaviour of a soil under different seasonal conditions; and (3) to test whether soil management practices affect infiltration behaviour. The advantages of the procedure are briefly discussed