Evaluation of the portable furrow infiltrometer
Abstract Twenty infiltrometer tests were conducted to compare infiltration rates estimated by the recirculating infiltrometer (RIF) and the newly developed portable infiltrometer (PIF). Two types of furrows commonly used in the western United States; small and steep, and large and less steep; were considered in high and low infiltration soils. Comparison of the PIF and RIF infiltration rate measurements indicated that PIF was most accurate in estimating steady infiltration rates. Use of the PIF for predicting infiltration rate functions was not recommended because of the need for collecting accurate measurements early during the infiltration process. Considering ease of installation, accuracy in measuring steady infiltration rates, and ability to collect data during irrigation, the PIF is a promising device for use in surface irrigation management.
Surface Seal Influence On Surge Flow Furrow Infiltration
ABSTRACT The interactive influence of furrow surface seal formation and surge irrigation (intermittent flow) on furrow infiltration into a Portneuf silt loam soil was measured with a recirculating infiltrometer. When the formation of a surface seal was prevented by a layer of cheesecloth laid on the furrow perimeter, flow interruption increased furrow bed bulk density by 100 kg/m^ and decreased infiltration by 25% compared to constant flow. However, on this highly erodible soil, the surface seal which formed on an unprotected perimeter during irrigation reduced infiltration rates by over 50% compared to furrows with a cheesecloth layer. Flow interruption did not increase soil consolidation or decrease infiltration when the normal seal was allowed to form. On the tested soil, surface sealing overshadows the effects of flow interruption on infiltration.
Characterization of Aqueous Dispersions and Gels Made of Sodium Caseinate and Basil Seed Gum: Phase Behavior, Rheology, and Microstructure
The interactions between sodium caseinate (NaCas) and basil seed gum (BSG) in the presence of calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) were investigated. The phase behavior of the mixed aqueous dispersions and their gels revealed a homogeneous mixture, obtained at the higher concentrations of both CaCl 2 and BSG. The Herschel-Bulkley model sufficiently fitted the flow behavior of the mixture solution data. Apparent viscosity increased significantly ( p  < 0.05) by increasing the concentration of BSG, where the addition of CaCl 2 had no significant effect on the viscosity of the samples ( p  > 0.05). Furthermore, there was an increase in thixotropy due to the higher concentrations of BSG and CaCl 2 . Based on the frequency sweep test, at the low frequencies, a more gel-like behavior was observed in the case of the higher concentrations of either BSG or CaCl 2 . The rheological and SEM data suggested that the stronger structure of NaCas-BSG gel in the presence of the higher concentrations of CaCl 2 was related to the induction of complex formation between the two biopolymers.