Two-component Analysis of Flow through Macroporous Soil

Subsurface hydrographs, obtained during rainfall simulation on 1 m by 1 m plots, were separated into macropore and micropore components by application of a dual-porosity concept and mass balance analysis. The corresponding solute concentrations in the two domains were also determined by mass balance analysis. Time-domain reflectometry was then used to estimate similar outflow hydrographs and breakthrough curves at an upper depth in the A horizon of the soil profile. The results show that the macropores contributed from 6 to 54% of total subsurface flow and from 1 to 61% of total solute mass transported through the soil profile.