Estimating the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the vadose zone with an automatic infiltration data logger for the BEST algorithm

Abstract

Our study discusses the development and testing of an automated infiltration data logger device within the context of the Beerkan estimation of soil transfer parameters (BEST) algorithm. The main purpose of our study was to compare automated and manual data retrieval methods and their impact on the output results of the BEST algorithm. The device monitors the cumulative infiltration of water into the soil under a constant pressure water head, storing all relevant information. One notable advantage of this device is its ability to save electronic data. The device underwent a trial test at a farm in Kermanshah province, Iran. The BEST algorithm was used to calculate the saturated hydraulic conductivity using cumulative infiltration curves, and a comparison was made between the manual technique and the automated data logger infiltrometer method for extracting cumulative infiltration data. The average standard differences in the BEST algorithms between the manual method and the automated data collection method were 39% and 6%, respectively. An automated data logger infiltrometer offers benefits such as preventing soil surface disturbance, providing a constant water head for accurate calculations of hydraulic conductivity, improving measurement speed, reducing the time required for water penetration, enhancing data collection accuracy and not requiring a professional operator.