Infiltration Characteristics and Their Prediction On a Toposequence at Nsukka, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Predicting infiltration characteristics and dynamics is crucial for efficient soil management and prevention of erosion. A research aimed at evaluating the infiltration characteristics and their predictability was conducted on three prominent soil series distributed across a toposequence at Nsukka (south-eastern Nigeria), during the year 2008. Soil physical properties along with infiltration runs were evaluated at the crest, mid slope and toe slope of the toposequence. Predictability of infiltration parameters was evaluated with the Philip’s and Kostiakov’s models. Also measured were the particle size distribution, organic matter concentration and the initial moisture content of the top-(0-20 cm) soil. Results revealed that Uvuru series has the highest bulk density (1.51 g cm-3), organic matter concentration (4.71%) and initial moisture content (12.57%). More still, organic matter content, microporosity, bulk density, initial moisture content, coarse sand, silt and clay contents, all had influence on the infiltration characteristics of the soils. The sorptivity parameter (s) of the Philip’s model showed the highest coefficient of variation (92%) while the soil dependent parameter showed the least coefficient of variation (3.03%). High correlation coefficient (0.99-1.00) was found in the predicted and observed soil properties. Based on our findings, it was concluded that Philip’s and Kostiakov’s models gave good prediction of infiltration characteristics of the soil of Nsukka, Nigeria.