A field test of the transfer function model for predicting solute transport

Abstract

A model proposed for predicting average values of solute concentration as a function of depth and time, based on a transfer function model, is tested on a field experiment over 1.44 ha. The experiment consisted of an initial calibration observing the transport of a concentrated solute pulse past 15 replicated solution samplers located at a depth Z = 30 cm. The model was subsequently used without further calibration to predict the shape of the pulse at 60, 90, 120, 180 cm, with good agreement between average predicted and measured values. A further test of the model was conducted by taking 36 soil cores between 180 and 360 cm at 170 days after the addition of the solute pulse to the soil surface. Good agreement was found between the predicted and observed depth of maximum concentration expressed as a relative probability.Appendix Tables A1‐A5 and Bl are available with entire article on microfiche. Order from American Geophysical Union, 2000 Florida Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009. Document J82‐001; $1.00. Payment must accompany order.