Rain Infiltration into Layered Soils: Prediction

A simple model, based on the Green-Ampt approach, for describing one-dimensional vertical water infiltrarion into nonuniform soils under rain application is presented. The model contains three measurable input parameters which are based on properties and initial soil profile conditions. The model performance is compared against another model derived from the general flow theory and a good agreement is found. The comparison is made for different soil profiles and rain intensities. The application of the model is illustrated by numerical examples. Conditions under which soil surface saturation and water ponding occur are examined. The model provides a useful workable tool, in irrigation and hydrology, for approximating infiltration in the field where the soils are seldom uniform.