Equivalent Kostiakov Parameters for SCS Infiltration Families

Abstract

A method for obtaining the Kostiakov equation parameters for the different U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS) infiltration families is given along with the results. The deviation functional integrated over period of time up to the incipience of the terminal intake rate is minimized with respect to the Kostiakov parameters. Results give Kostiakov functions equivalent to SCS infiltration families and the differences in predictions of infiltration amounts between the two formulas are minimal over relatively large intervals of time. The equivalent Kostiakov parameters thus obtained and presented will be useful in irrigation modeling when only SCS family numbers for the soils are known with regard to infiltration data.