Hydraulic conductivity: How many measurements do you need?
Researchers are changing the way infiltration measurements are captured while keeping the standards of measurement high.
The SATURO and the double-ring infiltrometer are both ring infiltrometers that infiltrate water from the surface into soils. Overall, their measurement accuracy is comparable in many soil types, with the SATURO performing better in soils with large macropore structures. The main difference between the two methods is how they deal with three-dimensional flow in the field saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) calculation.
The SATURO uses the multiple-ponded head analysis approach to get a more direct estimation of alpha, which is used to determine how the soil pulls the water laterally. This approach uses less water, allowing researchers to complete a study without hauling heavy water containers to a site. The double-ring infiltrometer, on the other hand, uses a larger outer ring to act as a buffer from three-dimensional flow. This requires more water, and literature suggests that it doesn’t perform well. Using a double-ring infiltrometer still requires researchers to estimate alpha in the equations, which is typically done from a look-up table based on soil type and often results in error.
We compared the SATURO with a six-inch (15.24 cm) inner ring diameter against a double-ring infiltrometer with a six-inch (15.24 cm) inner ring diameter and an outer ring with a 12-inch (30.48 cm) diameter. The test was conducted on the METER soccer field at seven different locations. The measurements between the SATURO and the double-ring were conducted at the same time within the same 1 m2 area. SATURO and double-ring infiltrometer measurements compared well except in cases where the flow was primarily dominated by large macropores (Figure 1). Measurements at locations SF3 and SF4 were primarily dominated by large macropores. This behavior was consistent in many measurements across the south end of the field.
When installing the double-ring infiltrometer, it was apparent that the structure of the soil was being disturbed by the amount of force required to install the double-ring infiltrometer. Because of this disturbance, the field saturated hydraulic conductivities (Kfs) from the double-ring infiltrometer were one to two orders of magnitude lower than the SATURO measurements (Table 1).
Overall, measurements from the two methods compare well, except in cases where there are large structural macropores that can be destroyed when subjected to the amount of force required to install the double-ring infiltrometer.
Location | Double-Ring Kfs | SATURO Kfs | ∆ Kfs |
---|---|---|---|
SF 1 | 21.27 cm/hr | 18.1 cm/hr | –3.19 cm/hr |
SF 2 | 20.43 cm/hr | 11.4 cm/hr | –9.05 cm/hr |
SF 3 | 1.23 cm/hr | 62.6 cm/hr | 61.41 cm/hr |
SF 4 | 1.49 cm/hr | 44.3 cm/hr | 42.79 cm/hr |
SF 5 | 6.07 cm/hr | 7.6 cm/hr | 1.48 cm/hr |
SF 6 | 2.82 cm/hr | 1.3 cm/hr | –1.50 cm/hr |
SF 7 | 1.69 cm/hr | 3.4 cm/hr | 1.67cm/hr |
Table 1. Field saturated hydraulic conductivity values from double-ring infiltrometer and the SATURO
Figure 1. 1:1 plot of Kfs measurements from a double-ring infiltrometer and the SATURO Dual Head Infiltrometer
In this webinar, Dr. Gaylon S. Campbell teaches the basics of hydraulic conductivity and the science behind the SATURO automated dual head infiltrometer.
Six short videos teach you everything you need to know about soil water content and soil water potential—and why you should measure them together. Plus, master the basics of soil hydraulic conductivity.
Researchers are changing the way infiltration measurements are captured while keeping the standards of measurement high.
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Want to know more about measuring hydraulic conductivity in your unique application? METER scientists have over 100 years combined experience measuring soil hydraulic and physical properties. Click the link below to contact us.