Subjects

This is an introductory course to vadose zone hydrology. The course begins with different soil characteristics such
as soil phases and mineralogy, and soil water content and potential.

With the knowledge of soil physical properties the course moves to its core focus - the understanding of steady
water flow and solute transport in unsaturated environment.

The course combines the theory, lab measurements, and mathematical modelling (programs RETC and Hydrus
1-D). An excursion to the Research Institute for Soil and Water Conservation is also part of the course.

Last update: Trnková Jana, Mgr. (04.05.2023)

Recommended

Radcliffe, D., and J. Šimůnek (2010): Soil Physics with HYDRUS: Modeling and Applications, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, ISBN-10: 142007380X, ISBN-13: 9781420073805, pp. 373.

J. Šimůnek, M. Šejna, H. Saito, M. Sakai, and M. Th. van Genuchten (2013): The HYDRUS 1D Software Package for Simulating the One Dimensional Movement of Water, Heat, and Multiple Solutes in VariablySaturated Media. Version 4.17. Technical Manual. (Dostupné na: http://www.pc-progress.com//Downloads/Pgm_Hydrus1D/HYDRUS1D-4.17.pdf )

Tindall, J. A., Kunkel, J. R. (1999): Unsaturated Zone Hydrology for Scientists and Engineers. (Dostupné na: http://wwwbrr.cr.usgs.gov/projects/GW_Unsat/Unsat_Zone_Book)

Daniel Hillel (2004): Introduction to Environmental Soil Physics.

Last update: Trnková Jana, Mgr. (04.05.2023)

The credit is awarded based on: 1) final exam, 2) mid-term exam, 3) 2 assignments (retention curve, modelling assignement), 4) presentation.

The exam is written in the form of questions based on lectures and practical exercises. The final mark consists of the final test (50%), submitted assignments (30% - 10%, 20%), and the mid-term exam (20%).

Assignments 1 - Retention curve
- Grain-size distribution
- Retention curve – from texture
- Retention curve – tension plate apparatus measurement

Assignment 2 – Model
- Conceptual model
- Modelling results
- Discussion and conclusion

Presentation
- 5 minutes + discussion on a topic/concept/paper of your interest relevant to vadose zone hydrology

The evaluation of the assignments is based on terminology (correct terminology in the right context), conclusion and discussion (existence and accuracy of the statement, justification of the statement, data interpretation, deficiencies in measurement / modeling, suggestion of possible improvements), data collection and processing (accuracy of measurement, marking of data, units, processing, considering inaccuracy of measurement), conceptual model (area, material, initial and boundary conditions, type of task / equation), calibration (justification for the use of individual calibration parameters).

Last update: Weiss Tomáš, Mgr., Ph.D. (23.09.2024)

1. introduction: soil phase, soil texture, soil mineralogy, soil structure, definition of unsaturated zone and definition of basic soil characteristics, water content, pressure head and their measurement

2. retention curve, its description and measurement

3. retention curve models, steady flow in unsaturated environment, modelling intro

4. modelling

5. modelling

6. excursion to the Research Institute for Soil and Water Conservation

7. infiltration

8. preferential flow and dual permeability

9. solute transport

10. evapotranspiration

11. heat flow

Last update: Weiss Tomáš, Mgr., Ph.D. (01.10.2024)