30.4.1. Horton’s Equation

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does f₀ represent in Horton’s Equation?

   Hint

   What does the 'initial' mean?

2. 2.

   What is the decay constant (k) in relation to infiltration?

   Hint

   Think about the rate of change.

3. 3.

   What does f_c represent in Horton’s Equation?

   • Initial Infiltration Capacity
   • Final Infiltration Capacity
   • Decay Constant

   Hint

   Think about what happens after prolonged rainfall.

4. 4.

   True or False: A higher decay constant indicates a slower decrease in infiltration rates.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the relationship between k and infiltration time.

5. 5.

   Using Horton’s Equation, if f₀ is 40 mm/h, f_c is 15 mm/h, and k is 0.1, calculate what the infiltration rate will be after 10 hours.

   Hint

   Use the formula directly, just substitute the values.

6. 6.

   Discuss how different soil types might alter the values of f₀, f_c, and k when using Horton’s Equation in real-life scenarios.

   Hint

   Think about soil structure and its impact on water retention.