It is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil and plays an important role in the movement of water in the soil. The infiltration rate is the rate at which soil can absorb rainfall or irrigation and is measured in inches per hour or millimeters per hour.
Types of Infiltration
- Natural infiltration: Occurs in forests, grasslands, and other undisturbed areas.
- Artificial infiltration: This happens when humans intervene, such as during managed aquifer recharge projects.
There are many factors affecting Infiltration such as
- Soil Texture and Structure
- moisture content
- Conditions on the Soil Surface
- Type of Vegetative Cover
- Soil Temperature
- Human Activities on Soil Surface
In this article, we are going to Define Infiltration. Describe the procedure of its measurement. Enlist Different Factors Affecting Infiltration.
Definition of Infiltration
Infiltration is the process of water entry into soil from rainfall or irrigation. Infiltration is an important process that connotes the movement of water in the soil mass. Soil water movement is the process of water flow from one point to another point within the soil. It is measured in inches per hour or millimeters per hour.
Procedure of Infiltration Measurement
The infiltration rate is the rate at which soil can absorb rainfall or irrigation and is measured in inches per hour or millimeters per hour. Tools like single-ring and double-ring infiltrometers are widely used to measure infiltration.
now let’s see how can we measure the Procedure of Infiltration Measurement.
Step 1: Place two concentric rings on the soil surface and drive them partially into the ground. Fill both rings with water to a predetermined level. Record the rate at which water levels drop in the inner ring, isolating vertical infiltration from lateral movement.
Step 2: Selecting the right site is crucial. Avoid areas with obvious disturbances like footpaths or heavily compacted soils.
Step 3: Data analysis involves plotting infiltration rates over time to understand soil behavior and permeability.
Factors affecting Infiltration
1. Soil Properties:
Soil properties such as sandy or clayey, and its structure significantly affect infiltration. Sandy soils absorb water quickly, while clayey soils tend to slow the process.
2. Climate and Weather Conditions:
Rainfall intensity and duration play a crucial role in infiltration. Heavy, short storms lead to runoff, while gentle rains allow more infiltration.
3. Topography
Flat lands promote infiltration, while steep slopes encourage water to flow away quickly.