Pedological relations of infiltration phenomena

Abstract

An attempt is made to outline the principal features which are to be considered in infiltration problems. The need for consideration of genetic and morphological relations is emphasized, especially the view that the latter is a boundary condition for the quantitative procedures usually derived from the former. Detailed development of infiltration relations are given for the more usual genetic profiles. The role of soil structure in infiltration phenomena is developed in considerable detail. A discussion of fragmented soils is also given. A brief discussion of the physical mechanisms involved in infiltration develops the viewpoint that not only porosity and texture but also soil structure and moisture content are usually sufficient to define infiltration phenomena.