INFILTRATION EQUATION
(Horton, Lewis-Kostiakov and
Philip’s Equation)
Brief Introduction:
v Infiltration - the downward flow of water from
the land surface into the soil medium.
v Infiltration rate (f t ) - rate at which water is
infiltrating.
vThe process of infiltration of water and
subsequent water movement is an extremely
complex process.
Brief Introduction:
v If water is ponded at the surface (an ample
supply), then infiltration occurs at the potential
infiltration rate. Most infiltration equation
describe the potential rate.
v Cumulative infiltration rate - the accumulated
depth of water and is the integral of the rate with
time.
INFILTRATION MODELS:
• Approximate Models - can be used to characterize the
infiltration process with rather simple, straight-forward
methods.
1. Empirical Methods: Horton (1939) and Kostiakov
(1932)
2. Simplified Models: Philip (1957)
Horton Equation
ROBERT ELMER HORTON
(May 18, 1875- April 22, 1945)
Ø An American civil engineer,
hydrologist, geomorphologist and soil
scientist.
Ø The Father of Modern Hydrology.
Horton Equation
The curve is called the Horton
infiltration capacity curve. The
capacity decreases with time and
ultimately reaches a constant rate,
caused by filling of soil pores with
water, which reduces capillary action.
Horton Equation
Horton (1933) showed that when the rainfall rate i
exceed the infiltration rate f, water infiltrates the surface
soils at a rate that generally decreases with time. For any
given soil, a limiting curve defines the maximum
possible rates of infiltration vs. time. The rate of
infiltration depends in a comples way on rainfall
intensity, soil type, surface condition and vegetal cover.
Horton Equation
Where:
ft = infiltration capacity (in/hr)
fo = initial infiltration capacity (in/hr)
fc = final capacity
k = empirical constant (hr-1)
t = time from the beginning.
Horton equation
EXAMPLE 1:
Suppose that the parameters for Horton’s equation are:
• fc=1.0 cm/hr
• fo= 5.0 cm/hr
• k= 2 hr
Determine the infiltration rate after 0, 0.5,1.0, 1.5, and
2.0 hours. What is the total volume of infiltration over the
2 hours?
Lewis-Kostiakov Equation
The Lewis-Kostiakov equation combines
contributions from two scientists: Robert E.
Lewis and Aleksey A. Kostiakov, who both
worked on water infiltration theories but
independently of each other.
Lewis-Kostiakov Equation
• An empirical model used to describe the rate at which
water infiltrates into soil over time.
• It is widely used in hydrology and irrigation to model
water movement into the ground.
• The equation is derived from experimental
observations and combines elements of soil physics
and empirical fitting to capture the behavior of
infiltration under various conditions.
Lewis-Kostiakov Equation
• The Lewis-Kostiakov infiltration equation is primarily
derived from empirical field data rather than from first
principles. It is based on the observed behavior of
soils, where the rate of water infiltration decreases
over time as the soil becomes saturated. The
equation’s form is a power-law relationship between
time and cumulative infiltration, with parameters k
and α determined through experimental fitting.
Lewis-Kostiakov Equation
Where:
F = cumulative infiltration at time
(t)
c = constant related to the initial
infiltration capacity of the soil.
α = an empirical constant (0<α<1),
representing how infiltration slows
down over time.
Lewis-Kostiakov equation
EXAMPLE 2:
A field experiment was conducted to measure water
infiltration in soil, and the following parameters were
determined: c = 0.5 cm/min (initial infiltration rate
constant) ; α = 0.4 (empirical decay component)
Using the Lewis-Kostiakov equation, calculate the
cumulative infiltration after: t=5min, t=10min and
t=30min.
Philip’s Equation
• Lionel Abel Philip, an Australian hydrologist and soil
physicist. He is best known for his work in the field of
soil water movement.
• His work, including the derivation of the infiltration
equation, advanced the field by offering a more
manageable way to estimate infiltration rates compared
to more complex methods like the Richards equation.
Philip’s Equation
• The Philip infiltration equation is a widely used
mathematical model in hydrology that describes the rate at
which water infiltrates into soil over time.
• Developed by L.A. Philip in 1957, this equation is
particularly useful in analyzing how water penetrates
unsaturated soils during rainfall or irrigation.
Philip’s Equation
• The equation captures both the capillary forces and
gravitational effects that govern water movement into
the soil.
Philip’s Equation
Where:
F = cumulative infiltration at time (t)
S (sorptivity) = soil’s ability to absorb
water due to capillary action (early
infiltration)
A = steady-state infiltration rate (which
is mostly influence by gravity)
t= time
Philip’s equation
EXAMPLE 3:
A field has been irrigated and you want to determine
how much water will infiltrate into the soil after a certain
period using the Philip infiltration equation. The soil’s
sorptivity is measured as 0.3m/h 1/2 and the constant
infiltration rate is 0.002 m/h. How much water will have
infiltrated into the soil after 4 hours?
Thank You
