Infiltrationstråg

Infiltrationstråg, or infiltration trays, are shallow trays used in soil science to study how water infiltrates soil under controlled surface conditions. They are employed in laboratory experiments and at field sites to observe infiltration dynamics, determine infiltration rates, and help estimate hydraulic properties of soils.

The trays are typically rectangular and made from plastic, glass, or metal. They are designed to hold a soil sample in a defined layer and allow water to contact the surface in a controlled manner. Sizes vary from small bench-top units to larger field setups, with depths ranging from a few centimeters to several tens of centimeters. Some trays are equipped with porous bases, measurement scales, or transparent walls to facilitate observation.

In a typical procedure, soil is placed and compacted to a chosen bulk density within the tray. Water is applied to the surface at a controlled rate, using a reservoir, pump, or rainfall simulator. Infiltration is monitored over time by tracking cumulative infiltrated water, changes in surface water depth, or through soil moisture sensors. From the data, infiltration rate versus time can be constructed, allowing calculation of initial and steady-state infiltration rates and, with additional data, estimates of hydraulic conductivity.

Applications include assessing the influence of soil texture, structure, crusting, and moisture on infiltration, evaluating land management practices, and informing hydrological models and drainage designs. Limitations include edge effects, soil disturbance, and scale differences between tray tests and field conditions.

Infiltrationstråg thus provide a controlled means to study infiltration processes and compare soil responses under standardized conditions.