INFILTRATION

AND
PERCOLATION:
Processes and
Measurements
Infiltration
• It is the downward movement of water from soil surface, into the soil mass
through the pores of soil.
Factors Affecting infiltration
• Clay minerals
• Soil texture
• Soil structure
• Moisture content
• Vegetative cover
• topography
Infiltration Measurements

oThe measure of infiltration of water into the soil is

important indication concerning:

oThe efficiency of irrigation and drainage.

oOptimizing the availability of water for plants

oImproving the yields of crops and minimizing erosion

1. Double Ring Infiltrometer

 In double ring type the

outer ring provides water
jacket to the infiltrating
water from the inner ring
and hence prevents the
spreading out of the
infiltrating water from the
inner ring.
2. Single Ring infiltrometer
• In simple ring infiltrometer infiltrated water spreads out in outer adjoining
area leading to over estimation
3. Tension Infiltrometer

 Measures the hydraulic

properties of unsaturated
soil. Water held under
tension infiltrates into a dry
soil through a highly
permeable nylon member.
Percolation
• Comes from the latin word “percolare” which means “to strain through”.
Percolation

 Is the process of
a liquid slowly
passing through
a filter.
Groundwater
Storage and the
Flow of Water
 Groundwater

• Ground water is water stored in saturated soils and rocks

• Groundwater is increased by recharge and decreased by discharge

• The major source of all fresh water drinking supplies in some
countries is groundwater.
• Groundwater is stored underground in aquifers, and is highly
vulnerable to pollution.
 Aquifer
• Is a geological unit that can store enough water and transmit
it at a rate fast enough to be hydrologically significant.
Two types of Aquifer
I. Unconfined Aquifer
 are those into which water seeps from the ground surface directly
above the aquifer.
II. Confined Aquifer
• are those in which an impermeable dirt/rock layer exists that prevents
water from seeping into the aquifer from the ground surface located
directly above. Instead, water seeps into confined aquifers from
farther away where the impermeable layer doesn't exist.