Small Farm: Water infiltration and

drainage of soils
Carole Hollier, Rutherglen
September 2003
AG1063
ISSN 1329-8062
State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries Page 1
Waterlogging is a serious problem affecting many areas
of agricultural land. Before we can correct the problem,
we need to understand what is happening. As
waterlogging is due to restricted water movement
through the soil, we need to understand the behaviour of
water in the soil profile before we can identify the most
appropriate course of action.
Infiltration and hydraulic conductivity
Both of these terms have been used to varying degrees to
describe water movement in the soil. However, they are
subtly different
Infiltration rate:
Rate at which water can enter the soil when water supply
is not limiting.
Hydrauli c Conductivity:
Infiltration rate plus other constraints associated with
water movement through soil.
Infiltration
As infiltration refers to water entry into the soil, it is
largely determined by the condition of the soil surface. The
main influencing factors are:
Soil texture
As soil particle size decreases, there is less distance
between soil particles. Hence, as the inter-particle distance
gets less, water infiltrates slower.
Sand Loam Clay
Soil structure
Well aggregated soil promotes high infiltration rates as
there are more gaps for water to flow through. Excess
cultivation can be detrimental to soil structure. The surface
crusts that can sometimes result from high cultivation
levels may cause sealing of the soil surface, restricting
water entry. Soil sodicity also results in poor soil structure,
as the aggregates break down and disperse.
Soil management
How the soil is managed has a large bearing on infiltration
rates. As mentioned previously, cultivation can have a
large impact on infiltration, as can the organic matter
levels in the soil. Not only does organic matter help
improve soil structure through promoting soil aggregation,
but it also aids in trapping water, and allowing it to
infiltrate slowly. This is termed soil roughness
basically stopping water from running off and pooling.
Hydraulic Conductivity
The hydraulic conductivity of a soil is determined by soil
profile characteristics. These include:
Soil moisture
If the soil already has a high soil moisture content,
infiltration will be low, as most of the soil pores will
already be filled.
Soil texture
As mentioned previously, water will infiltrate into sand
quicker than into clay. Water will also move through sands
quicker than clays. However, the flip side to this is that
sandy soils will not store as much water as clay soils
State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries Page 2
Small Farm: Water infiltration and drainage of soi ls AG1063
requiring greater inputs of water to maintain moisture
contents.
Porosity
Soils that are well structured are likely to have greater
numbers of pores than poorly structured soils. Hence, soils
with high porosity are likely to have a greater hydraulic
conductivity.
Soil type (duplex vs gradational)
There are three broad classes of soil types:
duplex
gradational
uniform
The flow characteristics of each of these soil classes are
different, for example, duplex soils have greater amounts
of lateral flow than gradational or uniform soils.
Water flow through soil
Lateral Flow Vertical Flow
Common in duplex soils Common in gradational and uniform soils
A
B
Duplex soil profile Gradational soil profile Uniform soil profile
There is a sharp change in texture
between the A and B horizons (eg.
Loam overlying clay). This contrast
inhibits water flow down the profile
may result in waterlogging in the A
horizon and lateral flow. This profile
is common in sodic soils.
Gradual change in texture down the
profile. As the texture gets heavier
water movement slows down.
However, this profile still drains
better than a duplex soil.
Little change in soil texture down the
profile. This profile drains well, with
good water movement downwards.
However, accessions to the watertable
may be quite high, hence depth to the
watertable should be monitored
regularly.
Further information
This publication has been developed as part of the Future Family Farms Initiative. For further information 136 186 or
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/farming/smallfarms.
The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned.
The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular
purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this
publication.