Recent Developments and Applications of the HYDRUS Computer Software Packages

Abstract

Core Ideas Review of selected capabilities of HYDRUS implemented since 2008 New standard and nonstandard specialized add‐on modules significantly expanded capabilities of the software Review of selected applications of the HYDRUS models published in VZJ and elsewhere in recent years The HYDRUS‐1D and HYDRUS (2D/3D) computer software packages are widely used finite‐element models for simulating the one‐ and two‐ or three‐dimensional movement of water, heat, and multiple solutes in variably saturated media, respectively. In 2008, Šimůnek et al. (2008b) described the entire history of the development of the various HYDRUS programs and related models and tools such as STANMOD, RETC, ROSETTA, UNSODA, UNSATCHEM, HP1, and others. The objective of this manuscript is to review selected capabilities of HYDRUS that have been implemented since 2008. Our review is not limited to listing additional processes that were implemented in the standard computational modules, but also describes many new standard and nonstandard specialized add‐on modules that significantly expanded the capabilities of the two software packages. We also review additional capabilities that have been incorporated into the graphical user interface (GUI) that supports the use of HYDRUS (2D/3D). Another objective of this manuscript is to review selected applications of the HYDRUS models such as evaluation of various irrigation schemes, evaluation of the effects of plant water uptake on groundwater recharge, assessing the transport of particle‐like substances in the subsurface, and using the models in conjunction with various geophysical methods.