An optimization technique for estimating infiltration characteristics in border irrigation

Because infiltration characteristics of soil vary spatially and temporally in a field, available methods for their estimation in border irrigation are either not suitable or have limitations for their field use. Here an optimization technique based on the volume balance approach is developed for estimating infiltration characteristics. Five different infiltration equations, viz, Kostiakov, modified Kostiakov, Philip, Horton, and Collis-George were employed. The method was applied to data obtained from experiments on border irrigation for five different soil types. All equations, except that of Philip, fitted the data satisfactorily. A possible explanation for this relates to assumptions inherent in its derivation and the spatial variability of infiltration in the field.