An experimental study to assess the effect of the energy and the electrolyte concentration of rain drops on the infiltration properties of naturally crusted soils

摘要

The main objective of the study was to assess the relative importance of the electrolyte concentration of rain drops and their kinetic energy on the infiltration rate of naturally crusted loess soil. A highly accurate portable rainfall simulator was used in this study. The effect of electrolyte concentration on infiltration rates was studied by comparing the runoff patterns observed using distilled or tap water. Similar infiltration curves were obtained for both treatments indicating that the effect of the electrolyte concentration of the applied water on infiltration was negligible.