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Diffusion Equation Calculations of Field Soil Water Infiltration Profiles¹

ABSTRACT

Theoretical moisture profiles calculated from a numerical analysis of the equation
were compared with experimental profiles for two field soils. Both soils were loess-derived and were of silt loam texture throughout their profiles. After previously being wet to their field capacities, the soil surfaces were kept at saturation for a definite time interval. The distribution of soil water throughout the profiles immediately following this time interval was measured by neutron scattering. Soil cores were removed from the plots at 15.2-cm. depth intervals. Using these cores, moisture release curves and capillary conductivity values were determined for those soil moisture contents which occurred in the field. The numerical solution used for the above equation requires a homogeneous soil. The calculated soil moisture profiles were based upon the physical measurements made on the surface 30 cm. of soil only. Discrepancies between measured and calculated profiles are explained on basis of variation of the physical properties of the entire profile from those of the first 30 cm., and on basis of plot size.

¹ Joint contribution: University of California, Davis and Iowa State University. Journal Paper No. J-3902 of the Iowa Agr. and Home Econ. Exp. Sta., Ames. Project 998. Contribution from the Department of Agronomy. Presented before Div. I, Soil Science Society of America, Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1959.

² Research Associate, Professor, and Guest Professor (1957–1958) on leave from State Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands. The senior author is now Assistant Professor in Irrigation, University of California, Davis.

Received for publication July 18, 1960. Accepted for publication October 4, 1960.