Performance evaluation of some selected infiltration models at Bayero University farm, Kano-Nigeria

Abstract

Soil’s infiltration characteristics remain important variables of consideration in irrigation systems designs as well as in soil and water management. This work was conducted to evaluate the performances of three different infiltration models (Kostiakov, Horton and Philip) in order to select a suitable model for use in determination of infiltration characteristics of soils neighbouring Bayero University, Kano-Nigeria. Experiments were conducted in three different locations within the study area and the performance of each model was analysed and compared against a direct measurement using double ring infiltrometer. The results showed no significant difference (Least significant difference = 0.29 @ 0.05 level of significance) between the direct measurement on field and the result obtained using Kostiakov and Horton’s model having mean infiltration rate of 1.05 and 1.04cm per minutes respectively, while the Philip’s model showed a significant difference in means (1.76cm/min) indicating higher sensitivity of its measurement. There was no significance difference (p=0.19 @ 0.05 level of significance) on replicating the experiment for the 3 different locations. Thus, the Kostiakov’s and Horton’s models were recommended for the infiltration characteristics measurement in Kano and elsewhere with similar environmental conditions.

Effects of varying tillage practices and weed control methods on the efficacy of infiltration models

“…For extremely accurate modelling of soil infiltration behaviour, a strong data-driven infiltration model is required [ 22 ]. The infiltration models used in the estimation of infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration amount have been categorised into empirical, semi-empirical, and physically based or deterministic models [ 23 ]. The empirical models include the Kostiakov model [ 24 ], the Mezencev model [ 25 ], the Revised Modified Kostiakov [ 26 ], the Novel model [ 27 ] and the Collis-George model [ 28 ], which are derived using laboratory or field data.…”