Infiltration Models Validation in a Sandy Loam Soil in Zing, Taraba State

Predicting the infiltration characteristics for soils is crucial for proper management and sustainable use of soil and water resources for prevention of soil erosion. The study was carried out to evaluate the infiltration models by measuring the field infiltration rate on sandy loam soils in Zing. Kostiakov, Modified – Kostiakov and Horton infiltration models were evaluated by comparing the measured and predicted infiltration rate of the soils. Fifteen infiltration runs were made by ponding water into double ring infiltrometer which was used to carry out the measurements. Parameters were developed from measured infiltration data and laboratory analyses of soil samples. Horton and Kostiakov models with an RMSE (0.0372 and 0.0365) and the R2 value of 0.999 and 0.998 respectively, closely predicted the measured infiltration rate, and can as well stimulate infiltration under the field conditions.