This paper aims at the development of a new methodology for quantification of water over a soil surface, as a function of the precipitation intensity from a sprinkler irrigation system. The research was carried out at the experimental station belonging to Rural Engineering Department of the University of São Paulo (ESALQ), on a soil often used for traditional agricultural practices. The results obtained showed the existence of a relationship between the precipitation intensity over the area and the microrelief of the soil. Under conditions of low intensity, the microrelief stayed stable throughout the formation of puddles on the soil surface. Under conditions of high intensity, runoff was observed over the area, with the formation of small preferential water flow channels among the puddles, starting the laminar erosion process of the soil.
irrigation; sprinkler; erosion; runoff
