Predicting the scanning branches of hysteretic soil water-retention capacity with use of the method of mathematical modeling

A mathematical model of the hysteresis of the water-retention capacity of the soil is proposed. The parameters of the model are interpreted within the framework of physical concepts of the structure and capillary properties of soil pores. On the basis of the model, a computer program with an interface that allows for dialogue with the user is developed. The program has some of options: visualization of experimental data; identification of the model parameters with use of measured data by means of an optimizing algorithm; graphical presentation of the hysteresis loop with application of the assigned parameters. Using the program, computational experiments were carried out, which consisted in verifying the identifiability of the model parameters from data on the main branches, and also in testing the ability to predict the scanning branches of the hysteresis loop. For the experiments, literature data on two sandy soils were used. The absence of an "artificial pump effect" is proved. A sufficiently high accuracy of the prediction of the scanning branches of the hysteresis loop has been achieved in comparison with the three models of the precursors. The practical importance of the proposed model and computer program, which is developed on its basis, is to ensure the calculation of precision irrigation rates. The application of such rates in irrigation farming will help to prevent excess moisture from flowing beyond the root layer of the soil and, thus, minimize the unproductive loss of irrigation water and agrochemicals, as well as reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and natural water eutrophication. (paper)