Modeling Soil Infiltration Dynamics in Owerri, Nigeria: A Relative Study of Three Classical Infiltration Models
I.L. Duruanyim
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
O.O Okorafor
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
A.N. Ofoma
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
C.U. Ukaoha
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
C.C Egwuonwu
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
C.I. Obineche
*
Department of Agricultural and Bioenvironmental Engineering Technology, Federal College of Land Resources Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study evaluated the performance and applicability of three classical infiltration models Green-Ampt, Horton, and Philip in predicting soil infiltration rates in selected locations within Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Field infiltration tests were conducted using a double ring infiltrometer, and soil samples were analyzed for key properties such as particle size distribution, moisture content, void ratio, and porosity. The infiltration models were fitted to the observed field data and statistically evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and t-test. Results revealed variations in the predictive accuracy of the models across the study locations. The Green-Ampt model exhibited the highest predictive accuracy with R2 = 0.36 and RMSE = 0.23, closely matching measured infiltration values, followed by the Philip and Horton models. The findings indicate that while all models provided reasonable estimates, the Green-Ampt model was the most suitable for representing infiltration dynamics in the study areas sandy soils. These results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate infiltration models for accurate hydrological modeling, irrigation design, and water management in similar soil and climatic conditions.
Keywords: Infiltration, hydrological modeling, soil-water interaction, green-ampt model, horton model, Philip model