1. What is Soil Infiltration Capacity?

Soil infiltration capacity refers to the maximum rate at which soil can absorb water. It's a critical parameter in irrigation planning and water management, indicating how quickly water can penetrate the soil surface without causing runoff.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( f \) — Rate of infiltration of soil (m/s)
• \( Q \) — Discharge through the supply ditch (m³/s)
• \( A_{max} \) — Maximum area that can be irrigated of discharge Q (m²)

Explanation: This formula calculates the infiltration rate by dividing the water discharge by the maximum area that can be effectively irrigated with that discharge.

3. Importance of Infiltration Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate infiltration rate calculation is crucial for efficient irrigation system design, preventing water wastage through runoff, and ensuring optimal water distribution across agricultural fields.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter discharge value in m³/s and maximum irrigable area in m². Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect soil infiltration capacity?
A: Soil texture, structure, organic matter content, compaction, and moisture level significantly influence infiltration rates.

Q2: How does infiltration rate affect irrigation efficiency?
A: Higher infiltration rates allow for faster water application without runoff, while low rates may require slower application methods to prevent water loss.

Q3: What are typical infiltration rate values for different soil types?
A: Sandy soils typically have high infiltration rates (25-250 mm/hr), while clay soils have much lower rates (1-5 mm/hr).

Q4: How can infiltration capacity be improved?
A: Adding organic matter, reducing compaction, maintaining soil structure, and using appropriate tillage practices can improve infiltration capacity.

Q5: Why is maximum irrigable area important in this calculation?
A: The maximum irrigable area represents the land surface that can effectively receive and absorb the available water discharge without causing runoff or waterlogging.