One dimensional vertical infiltration

Abstract

Various concise equations have been proposed, and used, to describe the dynamics of one-dimensional, vertical, infiltration into uniform soils. Such equations, even when initial and boundary conditions are satisfied, do not describe infiltration with equal accuracy for all materials, especially when applied over a large time interval. Recently proposed equations appear more reliable and require only two, easily measurable, soil properties, viz., sorptivity and hydraulic conductivity, for application in most practical situations. Numerical, laboratory, and field data are presented. These adequately support the reliability of the solutions. The applicability of the solutions to field soils with systematically varying conductivity is more restricted than the two- or three-dimensional solutions.