ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the Green-Ampt-Mein-Larson (GAML) model and GAML model modified by Moore (1981) for layered soils, in the simulation of water infiltration process in crusting soil. The infiltration tests were performed on a Cambisol without coverage and three successive precipitations were applied at intervals of 24 h. For the inclusion of the soil crust layer in the input parameters of the GAML model, the value of hydraulic conductivity in the transmission zone (Kt) was equal to stable infiltration rate (Tie) obtained in bare soil, and in the GAML model for layered soils, a surface layer (crust) were proposed with a thickness of 5 mm and soil crust saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kc) determined from experimental data, and equal to 10 and 25% of the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K0). In the second and third rainfall, the combinations without consideration of crust did not achieve good results and overestimated infiltration rate over time. For the model of GAML, the best results were obtained using Kt = Tie determined in bare soil, while in Model GAML for layered soils, were obtained with a value of Kc = 10 and 25% of K0.
soil crust saturated hydraulic conductivity; crust thickness; stable infiltration rate
