How to Calculate and Solve for Infiltration Rate | Methods of Application of Water

Last Updated on April 18, 2024

The image above represents infiltration rate. To calculate infiltration rate, six essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Saturated permeability (K), Average moisture content (m), Initial moisture content (m_o), Capillary potential (P), Depth of the water on the soil surface (H) and Total volume of infiltrated water (F).

The formula for calculating infiltration rate:

^df/_dt = ^{K[1 + (m – m_o)P + H]} / _{m . F}

Where:

^df/_dt = Infiltration Rate
K = Saturated Permeability
m = Average Moisture Content
m_o = Initial Moisture Content
P = Capillary Potential
H = Depth of the Water on the Soil Surface
F = Total Volume of Infiltrated Water

Let’s solve an example;
Find the infiltration rate when the saturated permeability is 11, the average moisture content is 20, the initial moisture content is 18, the capillary potential is 12, the depth of the water on the soil surface is 25 and the total volume of infiltrated water is 10.

This implies that;

K = Saturated Permeability = 11
m = Average Moisture Content = 20
m_o = Initial Moisture Content = 18
P = Capillary Potential = 12
H = Depth of the Water on the Soil Surface = 25
F = Total Volume of Infiltrated Water = 10

^df/_dt = ^{K[1 + (m – m_o)P + H]} / _{m . F}

That is, ^df/_dt = ^{11[1 + (20 – 18)12 + 25]} / _{20 . (10)}
^df/_dt = ^{11[1 + (2)12 + 25]} / ₂₀₀
^df/_dt = ^{11[1 + 24 + 25]} / ₂₀₀

Then, ^df/_dt = ^11[50] / ₂₀₀
^df/_dt = ⁵⁵⁰ / ₂₀₀
^df/_dt = 2.75

Therefore, the infiltration rate is 2.75.

Read more: How to Calculate and Solve for Discharge of a Ventruiflume | Methods of Application of Water

How to Calculate Infiltration Rate in Methods of Application of Water Using Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the infiltration rate.

To get the answer and workings of the infiltration rate using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe for NGN 2,000 per annum to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Agricultural under Engineering.

Now, Click on Methods of Application of Water under Agricultural

Now, Click on Infiltration Rate | Philip’s Equation under Methods of Application of Water

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the infiltration rate according to the respective parameters which is the Saturated permeability (K), Average moisture content (m), Initial moisture content (m_o), Capillary potential (P), Depth of the water on the soil surface (H) and Total volume of infiltrated water (F).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Saturated permeability (K) is 11, Average moisture content (m) is 20, Initial moisture content (m_o) is 18, Capillary potential (P) is 12, Depth of the water on the soil surface (H) is 25 and Total volume of infiltrated water (F) is 10.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the infiltration rate and presents the formula, workings and steps too.