Estimation of the soil basic infiltration velocity

With the objective of estimating the soil basic infiltration velocity (BIV), a study was conducted to evaluate the degree of association between BIV and other physical properties of the superficial and subsuperficial layers of a Dusky-Red Latosol (Oxisol) and of a Red-Yellow Podzolic soil (Ultisol), both located at the campus of the Universidade Federal de Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The sampling was performed with systematic spacing and the points constituted a grid, with variable spacing. At each sampling point, the value of the basic infiltration velocity was determined and thereafter undisturbed and disturbed samples at 0-20 and 60-80 cm of depth were collected. With these samples, the particle-size distribution, bulk density, particle density, total volume of pores, macroporosity, microporosity and hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil were determined. Statistical analysis of correlation and regression showed that the physical properties of the 0-20 cm layer in the Dusky-Red Latosol and of the 60-80 cm layer in the Red-Yellow Podzolic soil were better associated with the BIV. Both hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil and bulk density were adequate for estimating the BIV of these soils.