The Prediction of Evaporation, Drainage, and Soil Water Storage for a Bare Soil

Abstract

Abstract Evaporation, drainage, and changes in storage for a bare Plainfield sand were measured with a lysimeter during June, July, and August 1967, under natural rainfall conditions. Cumulative evaporation at any stage was proportional to the square root of time following each heavy rainfall. The drainage rate was found to be an exponential function of water storage. Both relations can be predicted from flow theory with knowledge of soil capillary conductivity, diffusivity, and moisture retention characteristics. Using these two relations and daily rainfall data, the water storage in the top 150 cm was predicted over the season to within 0.3 cm.