A probabilistic investigation of infiltration in the vadose zone: Proposal for a new formula of infiltration rate

The infiltration rate in the unsaturated zone is analysed from a probabilistic point of view. It is shown that the empirical formulas of Horton and Kostiakov, without apparent physical basis, are explained in a probabilistic approach. Horton's formula reflects a Markovian process contrary to Kostiakov's formula. This approach made it possible to explain why Kostiakov's formula is more powerful than that of Horton. A new equation of infiltration is proposed. The three formulas were compared, for four types of soil, with the model of van Genuchten based on the Richards equation. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.