NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL-MOISTURE SYSTEMS

Soil-moisture systems are analyzed using a numerical technique and a digital computer. The technique is applicable to unsteady-flow systems in non-homogeneous soils. Variable initial and boundary conditions may be considered. Nonlinear multivalued relationships between matrix moisture content, capillary potential, and hydraulic conductivity may be incorporated. The method is applicable in theory to one-, two-, or three-dimensional systems. It is applied herein to a one-dimensional unsteady-flow system. The method is used to study the effects of evaporation and soil-moisture hysteresis on a draining mass of infiltrated rainfall.