Measurements of infiltration and water repellency on different soils

Infiltration is a process of water entering soil from its surface. Field measurements of infiltration are performed with infiltrometers. Calculation of hydraulic conductivity can be done by different equations. Infiltration exhibits large spatial and temporal variability due to many affecting factors. One of those effects is soil water repellency (hydrophobicity). Water-repellent soils do not wet up spontaneously. The intensity and persistence of water repellency vary widely due to variability in individual or combined effects of environment. \nThe objective of the research study was to measure infiltration and water repellency of three different soils and two different land uses with different methods. The results were then compared with each other and with the results of other scientist. The infiltration was measured with mini disk infiltrometer and double ring infiltrometer. Water repellancy was determined by the water drop penetration time (WDPT) and a relatively new method with mini disk infiltrometer (MDI). Field measurments were performed on experimental watershed of Glinščica river in summer of 2012. \n Comparing the results of measurements under both vegetation covers, infiltration on soil under grass was higher than on soil covered with forest. Different calculation methods of hydraulic conductivity gave different results. Repellency was determined in surface samples of all tree soils of different textural types. Repellency level was much higher for soils under forest than on soils under grass. The analysis of the results showed significant correlation between infiltration and repellency. \n