Comparing Beerkan infiltration tests with rainfall simulation experiments for hydraulic characterization of a sandy‐loam soil

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.11273
• Publication Date: 2017-07-07T11:51:46Z
• Authors: Simone Di Prima; Vincenzo Bagarello; Laurent Lassabatere; Rafael Angulo‐Jar...; Inmaculada Bautista; Maria Burguet; Artemi Cerdà; Massimo Iovino; Massimo Prosdocimi
• Keywords: Infiltrometer; Ponding; Infiltration (HVAC); Sorptivity; Permeameter

Abstract Saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, K s , data collected by ponding infiltrometer methods and usual experimental procedures could be unusable for interpreting field hydrological processes particularly rainfall infiltration. The values determined an experiment carried out applying water at a relatively large distance from the surface however more appropriate to explain runoff generation phenomena during intense events. In this study, link between simulation experiments was established sandy‐loam soil. height of pouring run chosen, establishing similarity gravitational potential energy applied water, E p kinetic energy, k . To test soundness procedure, sampled with Beerkan estimation transfer parameters procedure characterization two heights (0.03 m, i.e., 0.34 yielding = ). Then, comparison steady‐state infiltration rates, i sR measured determining production in order discriminate theoretically possible ( ≥ ) impossible < situations. Physically were only obtained surface, because equal 20.0 mm h −1 146.2–163.9 15.2–18.7 0.03 respectively. This result suggested consistency runs high simulator experiments. Soil compaction mechanical aggregate breakdown most plausible physical mechanisms reduction height. study demonstrated that which is poured onto key parameter can adapted mimic effect intensity rain on properties.