HYDRUS modelling to predict field trafficability under different drainage design and weather conditions in Southern Manitoba
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Date
2017
Authors
Kaja, Krishna Phani
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Abstract
Advancements in computation and development of physically based hydrologic models to simulate complex vadose zone scenarios helped the research community to evaluate different scenarios easily compared to long-term field experiments. However, some field data collection is necessary to obtain input data such as soil properties, water usage and land management practices to validate the model performance specific to the site. Data obtained from field experiments conducted in 2011 at Hespler farms, Winkler, MB was used in this research for model calibration and validation. The hydrologic model, HYDRUS (2D/3D) was evaluated using parameters such as visual and statistical analysis. Model evaluation during the calibration and validation stage gave RMSE values of 0.019 and 0.015 cm3 cm-3; PBIAS values of -1.01 and -0.14, respectively, suggesting that the model was efficient in simulating soil water content similar to the field observed data. The validated models were then used to simulate outcomes for different scenarios such as 30-year rainfall data (1986 – 2015), different soil physical properties, and drainage system design parameters. Models simulating free drainage predicted lower soil water content compared to controlled drainage leading to 6 – 60 more trafficable days for 8 m spacing and 0.9 drain base depth. Free drainage predicted 8 – 110 additional trafficable days compared to controlled drainage for 15 m spacing and 1.1 drain depth. Heavier than normal rainfall events caused high water contents leading to a few years with a very low to no trafficable days under controlled drainage conditions. The comparisons are presented based on models using free drain conditions. Models with 8-m drain spacing predicted a 1 to 10-day increase in the number of trafficable days compared to the 15-m drain spacing. Drains placed at a base depth of 1.1 m below the soil surface predicted 4 - 40 more trafficable days compared to those installed at a base depth of 0.9 m.
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Keywords
Soil water content, HYDRUS (2D/3D), Hydrologic modelling, Modelling scenarios, Model evaluation, Field trafficability