Recharge estimation using infiltration models

Different infiltrations models were tested at 50 locations in a basin based on the soil type and land use variations at Neyveli. Infiltration models namely Green Ampt model, Modified Kostiakov model and Horton model were found to be fit to the observed field data to estimate infiltration rates at any given time and their parameters were determined using least square method. The basin is divided into four zones based on location of rain gauge stations. Ground water recharge was estimated using three infiltration models for each zone. Their results were compared with that of the standard SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model developed by the USDA agricultural research service (ARS). Horton model was found to be high correlated with SWAT model when compared to the other two infiltration models. It can be concluded that Horton model is the most appropriate infiltration model for estimating recharge in Neyveli region. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.