Estimation of the soil basic infiltration velocity

With the objective of estimating the soil basic infiltration velocity (BIV) , a study was conducted to evaluate the degree of association between BIV a nd other physical properties of the superficial and subsuperficial layers o f a Dusky-Red Latosol (Oxisol) and of a Red-Yellow Podzolic soil (Ultisol), both located at the campus of the Universidade Federal de Lavras, Minas Ge rais State, Brazil. The sampling was performed with systematic spacing and the points constituted a grid, with variable spacing. At each sampling poin t, the value of the basic infiltration velocity was determined and thereaft er undisturbed and disturbed samples at 0-20 and 60-80 cm of depth were col lected. With these samples, the particle-size distribution, bulk density, p article density, total volume of pores, macroporosity, microporosity and hy draulic conductivity of saturated soil were determined. Statistical analysi s of correlation and regression showed that the physical properties of the 0-20 cm layer in the Dusky-Red Latosol and of the 60-80 cm layer in the Red -Yellow Podzolic soil were better associated with the BIV. Both hydraulic c onductivity of saturated soil and bulk density were adequate for estimating the BIV of these soils.