Comparative analysis of the novel infiltration model with other infiltration models

Variability in infiltration characteristics of soils creates need for selection of appropriate infiltration model. Recently, a novel infiltration model was proposed and reported to perform excellently in estimating infiltration rate of soils of Kurukshetra, India, however, this model need to be tested for its reliability at global level. In this regard, the present study analyses the reliability of the novel model based on infiltration database comprising of 16 data sets from different parts of the world to arrive at some generalized results on the reliability of novel model as compared to commonly used infiltration models. Comparative analysis reveals that out of the 16 data sets for 9 sites (57%). Horton model was found to be best model while novel model was found as best-fit model in five cases (31%). Based on the present study and earlier investigations, it may be inferred that novel model could be a useful model to estimate infiltration rate in loams.