Alternative analyses of hydraulic data from disc tension infiltrometers

Abstract

Hydraulic conductivity values were compared based on alternative analyses of data from disc tension infiltrometers. The first method was based on a single disc and tension and depends on the estimate of sorptivity and steady state flow. A second method used steady state flow measurements for two different disc radii, 52 and 118 mm. A third method used a single disc with multiple tensions from which steady state flow was obtained at three or more tensions which could be at the same location. A fourth method used a single disc with two tensions from which steady state flow was obtained at two tensions. Finally, values based on soil cores were compared. The results show reasonable agreement between methods for the hydraulic conductivity with the largest differences for data collected for zero tension. For the most part, there were no significant differences in hydraulic conductivity due to the disc infiltrometer radius. A single‐disc method with multiple tensions (more than 3 points) and large disc radius gave results which were the most stable, accurate, and repeatable.