Determination of wetting soil water characteristics curve from disk infiltrometer measurements

A wetting soil water characteristic curve (SWCC w ) is necessary for understanding and interpreting the re-distribution of infiltrated rainwater, percolation rate, contaminant transport. Direct determination SWCC tedious needs destructive sampling invasive sensor installation. This study demonstrates an indirect method determining based on infiltration measurements using a mini disc infiltrometer (MDI). Under controlled initial conditions, tests were conducted, coupled with real-time moisture matric potential sensors. Sensor data facilitated assessment cross-verification indirectly determined from MDI measurements. The estimation involved inverse analysis optimization parameters (α n van Genuchten model) measured cumulative (CI) -versus-time response along knowledge final volumetric content (VWC f ). optimized MDI-infiltration matched sensor-measured reasonably well. statistical ANOVA proved that CI MDI, together VWC information, are reliable input its parameters. Based realistic process in unsaturated zone beneath infiltrometer, this utility compact quick, non-destructive measurement .