The provided data consists of times (in seconds) for each 3cm (30mm) water level
drop in the infiltrometer. Infiltration rates were calculated as 108000/Δt mm/hr.
where Δt is the time in seconds for each drop.
Time(s
Experiment No. ) Infiltration rate(mm/hr.)
1 13.92 7758.6
2 25.82 4182.8
3 27.08 3988.2
4 30.67 3521.4
5 34.52 3128.6
6 37.63 2870.1
7 40 2700.0
8 54 2000.0
9 61 1770.5
10 63 1714.3
11 63 1714.3
12 63 1714.3
13 63 1714.3
Picture of Experimental Setup
From the data, we can identify the key Horton parameters:
Initial Infiltration capacity ( f 0) = 7758.6 mm/hr.
Final/constant Infiltration Capacity ( f c)=1714.3 mm/hr.
SOLUTIONS
(i) Describe the observed pattern of infiltration
The graph of infiltration rate against time exhibits a classic exponential decay
pattern, as described by Horton. Initially, at the start of the experiment (t=0), the
infiltration rate was very high (approximately 7759 mm/hr.). this is because the
soil was dry, and the suction potential was at its maximum, drawing water rapidly
into the empty pores.
As time progressed, the infiltration rate decreased rapidly. This occurs because the
pores of the soil fill with water, soil particles swell, and the driving forces
diminish. The water that has already infiltrated begins to drain downward under
gravity.
After approximately 20 minutes, the infiltration stabilized and became nearly
constant at about 1714mm/hr. this constant rate is the final infiltration capacity ( f c),
which is approximately equal to the saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil. At this
stage, the infiltration rate is balanced by the soil’s ability to transmit water
vertically through its profile.
(ii) Derive the Equation of the Infiltration Curve in the Form Developed
by Horton (Use Two Approaches and Compare Results)
Horton's infiltration equation is an empirical model describing the exponential
decay of infiltration rate over time: f(t)= f c+ ( f 0− f c)e kt , where f(t) is the infiltration
rate (mm/hr) at time t(hours), f 0 is the initial infiltration rate, f c is the final constant
rate, and k is the decay constant (hr⁻¹).
The constant rate fc=1714 mm/hr was determined as the average of the stabilized
rates from experiments 10-13.
Approach 1: Graphical Method
A graph of ln(f(t)-f(c)) against time is plotted. The slope is the calculated and the
intercept on the ln(f(t)-f(c)) axis is determined
time(hrs) f(t)-fc ln(f(t)-fc)
0.003867 6044.3 8.706874
0.007172 2468.5 7.811368
0.007522 2273.9 7.729244
0.008519 1807.1 7.499454
0.009589 1414.3 7.254405
0.010453 1155.8 7.052505
0.011111 985.7 6.893352
0.015 285.7 5.654942
0.016944 56.2 4.028771
ln(f(t)-f(c)) = 10.29
f 0-fc=29436.8
f 0=29436.8+1714
f 0= 31,150.8mm/hr
k=332.84
f(t)= f c+ ( f 0− f c)e kt
f(t)=1714 + (29436.8)e 332.84 t
METHOD 2
(iii) How Much Infiltration and Runoff Would Occur if This Soil Were Subjected
to a 45-Minute Rainfall Event with an Average Intensity of 85 mm hr⁻¹ (Assume
No Other Water Losses)
Rainfall duration T=45 = 0.75 hr,
intensity i=85 mm/hr.
Total rainfall depth P=85×0.75=63.75 mm.
Using the Horton equation from the nonlinear approach. The minimum infiltration
capacity (fc=1714 mm/hr) exceeds the rainfall intensity (85 mm/hr) at all times.
Therefore, the soil can absorb water faster than the rainfall rate throughout the
event, with no ponding or excess leading to runoff.
Actual infiltration, F=P=63.75 mm.
Runoff = P−F=0 mm.