Water infiltration as affected by tillage methods, plowing depth and wheel traffic [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

Field experiments were conducted in clay soil planted with sunflower crop during summer 2006 to determine interactive effects of tillage methods, plowing depths and wheel traffic (number of wheel passes) on water infiltration. The results showed that infiltration rates were affected significantly by tillage treatments. Plowing depths and number of wheel passes over the soil. Average basic infiltration rate after 180 min was ranged from 7.8-9.1 mm/h for moldboard plow, 6.2-7.9 mm/h for chisel plow and 5.9-7.2 mm/h for rotary plow under different wheel passes and plowing depths. Among the various wheel passes, five-pass caused 10.75, 19.55 and 14.37% reduction in infiltration rate under moldboard, chisel and rotary plows, respectively when tillage was achieved at 9.7 cm plowing depth. A simple empirical model based on the Kostiakov equation was presented. This model will predict infiltration rate under soil mean weight diameter, number of wheel passes and plowing depth. Firstly, the values of empirical constants (k and n) of the Kostiakov equation could be determined then infiltration rate was computed. This could be useful to predict infiltration at any time interval in the studied rang of affecting variables. The results showed that the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.90 between measured and predicted basic infiltration rate. The developed model could provide valuable information for the effective design of surface irrigation system. Further, managers of irrigation systems can use it to modify management practices during season to conserve water.

Summary in Arabic.

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