Laboratory methods for the estimation of infiltration rate of soil crusts in the Tabernas Desert badlands

Steady infiltration rate of soil crusts in the Tabernas Desert badlands ranged from 21.3 to 30.7 mm h−1 measured by TI method. Steady infiltration rate under tensions decreased with increasing tensions; it was 9.9-18.4 mm h−1, 0.4-5.7 mm h−1, and 0.2-3.3 mm h−1 at −0.5-, −2.0-, and −6.0-cm pressure heads, respectively. Steady infiltration rate measured by TI method and that at a tension of 0.5 cm by the MDI is consistent with the results from the previous simulated rainfall studies in the same soil crust surfaces, suggesting that the TI and MDI methods may be potentially a useful lab measurement for approximating field infiltration rate.