• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.12 no.5
• /
• pp.33-36
• /
• 2007

In recent years the convective-dispersive equation has been often discredited in predicting subsurface solute transport under field conditions due to presence of preferential flow paths. Kim et al. (2005) proposed a simple equation that can predict the breakthrough of solutes without excessive data requirements. In their Generalized Preferential Flow Model (GPFM), the soil is conceptually divided in a saturated "distribution layer" near the surface and a "conveyance zone" with preferential flow paths below. In this study, we test the model with previously published data, and compare it with a classical convective-dispersive model (CDM). With three parameters required-apparent water content of the distribution zone, and solute velocity and dispersion in the conveyance zone-GPFM was able to describe the breakthrough of solutes both through silty and sandy loam soils. Although both GPFM and CDM fitted the data well in visual, variables for GPFM were more realistic. The most sensitive parameter was the apparent water content, indicating that it is the determining factor to apply GPFM to various soil types, while Kim et al. (2005) reported that changing the velocity of GPFM reproduced solute transport when same soils were used. Overall, it seems that the GPFM has a great potential to predict solute leaching under field conditions with a wide range of generality.

• Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.62-73
• /
• 1997

The application of nutrients and pesticides to agricultural lands has been reported to contribute to groundwater contamination, which can be explained by preferential flow in lieu of convective-dispersive flow. An one-dimensional numerical model depicting preferential water and solute movement was modified to describe multi-layer flows. The model is based on a piecewise linear conductivity function. By combining conservation of mass and Darcy's law and using the method of characteristics a solution is obtained for water flow in which water moves at distinct velocities in different flow regions instead of an average velocity for the whole profile. The model allows transfer ofqr solutes between pore groups. The transfer is characterized by assuming mixing coefficients. The model was applied to undisturbed soil columns and an experiment site with structured sandy clay loam soil. Chloride, bromide, and 2, 4-D were used as tracers. Simulated solutes concentrations were in good agreement with the soil column data and field data in which preferential flow of solute is significant. The proposed model is capable of describing preferential solute transport under laboratory and field conditions.