The influence of macropores on runoff generation from a hillslope soil with a contrasting textural class

K.R.J. Smettem; D.J. Chittleborough; B.G. Richards; F.W. Leaney

doi:10.1016/0022-1694(91)90180-P

Back

The influence of macropores on runoff generation from a hillslope soil with a contrasting textural class

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The influence of macropores on runoff generation from a hillslope soil with a contrasting textural class

K.R.J. Smettem, D.J. Chittleborough, B.G. Richards and F.W. Leaney

Journal of Hydrology, Vol.122(1-4), pp.235-251

1991

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1694(91)90180-P

Files and links (1)

url

Link to Published Version *Subscription may be requiredView

Abstract

The hydrological response of a well-structured hillslope soil under pasture is described. In this soil, during the winter recharge period, macropores provide pathways for water movement which effectively by-pass the soil matrix. In consequence, a perched water table does not develop within the soil profile. New input water is able to penetrate rapidly through the macropore system within the clayey B horizon to the soil/bedrock interface. A highly transient ‘water table’ is then established within the macropore system and overland flow commences only when the capacity of this system is exceeded. During the summer, this flow pattern changes and, although the soil might be expected to absorb water more readily than during winter, overland flow is the dominant runoff mechanism. The macropore-matrix dichotomy of the soil hydraulic properties is characterized in situ using auger hole and disc permeaters. The measured soil hydraulic properties are used in a finite element model to predict independently the subsurface runoff response during the winter recharge period and to check the adequacy of a throughflow collection system. The model predictions are in reasonable agreement with measured water tables during drainage.

Details

Title: The influence of macropores on runoff generation from a hillslope soil with a contrasting textural class
Authors/Creators: K.R.J. Smettem (Author/Creator)
D.J. Chittleborough (Author/Creator) - The University of Adelaide
B.G. Richards (Author/Creator) - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
F.W. Leaney (Author/Creator) - Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources
Publication Details: Journal of Hydrology, Vol.122(1-4), pp.235-251
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Identifiers: 991005543511707891
Copyright: © 1991 Elsevier B.V.
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites

Metrics

31 Record Views

52 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.60 Herbicides, Pesticides & Ground Poisoning; 3.60.812 Pesticide Degradation
Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Civil; Geosciences, Multidisciplinary; Water Resources
ESI research areas: Engineering