BEST-WR: An adapted algorithm for the hydraulic characterization of hydrophilic and water-repellent soils

Water-repellent soils usually experience water flow impedance during the early stage of a wetting process followed by progressive increase infiltration rate. Current models are not formulated to describe this peculiar process. Similarly, simplified methods soil hydraulic characterization (e.g., BEST) equipped handle water-repellent soils. Here, we present an adaptation BEST method, named BEST-WR, for at any water-repellency. We modified Haverkamp explicit transient model, included in modeling data, embedding scaling factor describing rate attenuation due repellency. The new model was validated using analytically generated involving with different texture and dataset that data from 60 single-ring tests. used as index assess repellency Mediterranean wooded grassland, where scattered evergreen oak trees induced more noticeable under canopies compared open spaces. produced results line those obtained drop penetration time test, which is one most widely test applied quantifying persistence. Finally, BEST-WR determine characteristic curves both hydrophilic hydrophobic conditions.