Numerical model for the simulation of soil water flow: evaporation analysis

Abstract

[EN] In previous publications, routine for direct integration of infiltration equation (Richards Equation) under trickle irrigation boundary conditions was presented. The model is able to simulate irrigation features as evolution of the superficial water pond, flow redistribution, overpressure around the emitter and root flow absorption, among others. It was proved that, model behaves robust and efficiently. Recently, the numerical model was improved in order to reproduce water evapotranspiration flow according to several known model schemes such as the evaporation empirical formula of del Vigo et al. that was inferred from experiment data taken in the province of Imbabura (Republic of Ecuador). This article presents some results provided for this numerical routine (moisture profiles and infiltration patterns) focusing in the aspects involved to evapotranspiration. The results presented in this paper were obtained with several evaporation schemes that were implemented in the routine what are tested in this article. It is conclude that, moisture pattern description are highly affected by evaporation conditions; therefore, evaporation is an important factor to consider when analyzing soil water flow dynamics in irrigation systems.