Infiltration characteristics of lateritic vadose zones: Field experiments and modeling

摘要: Abstract Lateritic vadose zone, mostly found in tropical humid regions, is very complex and hence behaves a different way than other zones. Until now, little known about the impact of agricultural practices on infiltration dynamics such To this end, present study was conceived to explore characteristics lateritic soil-water zones by conducting 72 double-ring experiments at multiple sites considering both plot field scales having paddy-wheat cultivation practices. Furthermore, five models, two empirical (Kostiakov Kostiakov-Lewis) three process-based (Philip Two-Term, Swartzendruber Brutsaert) were fitted site-specific data their performance critically evaluated for modeling behavior zone. Results indicated that mean ‘quasi-steady rate’ Experimental Plot measured before paddy 0.23 ± 0.2 mm/min, which decreased around 80% after then increases more 200% wheat cultivation. Similarly, scale, decreases 60% The model followed Brutsaert provided most reliable estimates saturated hydraulic conductivity. Swartzendruber, Kostiakov-Lewis models showed greater fitting ability predicting ‘cumulative infiltration’ under all scales. In contrast, predicted rate with lower accuracy cumulative infiltration. It concluded are greatly influenced as well macro-pores low-permeability layers soil profile. Given significant heterogeneity, future studies should efficacy [e.g., Smith Parlange (1978) model, Kutilek Krejca (1987), modified Green-Ampt models] terrains.