15 Questions
Which process is crucial for successful irrigation and water conservation in rainfed agriculture?
Infiltration
What is the term for the downward movement of water through the soil profile?
Percolation
What is the term for the lateral movement of water?
Seepage
What does hydraulic conductivity measure?
Velocity of flow caused by a unit gradient
What are the 3 stages of infiltration?
Which term is used interchangeably with hydraulic conductivity?
Permeability
What does a high antecedent moisture condition cause?
Reduction in pore spaces and rate of water movement
What does cumulative infiltration refer to?
The summation of the depth of water absorbed by a soil in a specified elapsed time
What does vegetal cover do in relation to infiltration?
Reduces sealing and has greater effect on infiltration than soil type and texture
What determines the degree of swelling upon wetting in soil?
Mineralogy
What increases the rate of surface entry and porosity of the plowed layer?
Tillage/plowing practices
What does surface sealing or pudding of soil cause?
Formation of thin compact layer in the surface
What does standing water above the soil surface refer to?
Stagnant water that does not runoff
What influences the characteristics of surface runoff and interflow?
Topography
What can improve soil structure hence increase infiltration?
Soil Additives
Study Notes
Infiltration and Water Conservation in Rainfed Agriculture
- Infiltration is a crucial process for successful irrigation and water conservation in rainfed agriculture.
Water Movement in Soil
- The downward movement of water through the soil profile is termed percolation.
- The lateral movement of water is termed throughflow.
Hydraulic Conductivity
- Hydraulic conductivity measures the ability of the soil to transmit water.
- Permeability is used interchangeably with hydraulic conductivity.
Infiltration Stages
- The three stages of infiltration are:
- Ponding: initial rapid infiltration
- Absorption: gradual infiltration
- Redistribution: slowest infiltration rate
Factors Affecting Infiltration
- A high antecedent moisture condition causes a decrease in infiltration rate.
- Cumulative infiltration refers to the total amount of water infiltrated over a period of time.
- Vegetal cover increases infiltration by reducing surface runoff and improving soil structure.
Soil Properties
- The degree of swelling upon wetting in soil is determined by the type of clay minerals present.
- Tillage or plowing increases the rate of surface entry and porosity of the plowed layer.
Soil Surface Conditions
- Surface sealing or pudding of soil causes a reduction in infiltration rate.
- Standing water above the soil surface refers to surface storage or ponding.
Surface Runoff and Interflow
- The characteristics of surface runoff and interflow are influenced by factors such as slope, soil texture, and vegetal cover.
Improving Soil Structure
- Organic matter can improve soil structure, hence increase infiltration.
Test your knowledge about the infiltration and percolation of water into the soil surface. Understand the importance of these processes in irrigation, water conservation, drainage, and flood control.
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