Generally, Infiltration (IR) is high during the early stages of infiltration, particularly when the soil is initially quite dry, but decreases monotonically to approach a constant rate asymptotically, due to a decrease in the matric suction gradient which occurs as infiltration proceeds. The tendency of soils to form seals depends on the stability of their structure, which tends to increase with increasing clay content. Most of the studies on seal formation and runoff have been conducted on soils in which the dominant clay minerals were smectites. Clay particles are mainly negatively charged because of isomorphic substitutions. Cultivated soils are structurally unstable and form a seal at the soil surface when exposed to rain or overhead sprinkler irrigation. The susceptibility of soils to sealing depends on soil properties and rain properties. Runoff prediction is essential for soil erosion prediction and for a scientific design of water conservation and water harvesting systems.
Generally, Infiltration (IR) is high during the early stages of infiltration, particularly when the soil is initially quite dry, but decreases monotonically to approach a constant rate asymptotically, due to a decrease in the matric suction gradient which occurs as infiltration proceeds. The tendency of soils to form seals depends on the stability of their structure, which tends to increase with increasing clay content. Most of the studies on seal formation and runoff have been conducted on soils in which the dominant clay minerals were smectites. Clay particles are mainly negatively charged because of isomorphic substitutions. Cultivated soils are structurally unstable and form a seal at the soil surface when exposed to rain or overhead sprinkler irrigation. The susceptibility of soils to sealing depends on soil properties and rain properties. Runoff prediction is essential for soil erosion prediction and for a scientific design of water conservation and water harvesting systems.