Interpretation of Kostiakov Infiltration Parameters for Borders

Abstract

The relationship between Kostiakov and modified Kostiakov infiltration parameters and the parameters of several other infiltration equations are analyzed and discussed from a theoretical and practical point of view. Kostiakov parameters are also shown to be related to soil properties in a way that allows irrigation engineers to take advantage of existing data bases and ongoing infiltration research. It is suggested that the power parameter in both the modified and original Kostiakov relationship should be fixed at one‐half and not subject to calibration or optimization using field data. This results in relationships with some theoretical basis, parameters that are consistent with other infiltration equations and in most cases little if any loss of accuracy in the calculation of infiltration or surface hydraulics in irrigated borders.