Abstract:
The present study aims at modelling of soil moisture movement in Barchi watershed (Karnataka) using SWIM (Soil Water
Infiltration and Movement). Field and laboratory investigations were carried out to determine the saturated hydraulic conductivity at
eight locations using Guelph Permeameter and soil moisture retention characteristics using the Pressure Plate Apparatus. The van
Genuchten parameters of soil moisture retention function and hydraulic conductivity function were obtained through non-linear
regression analysis. Daily rainfall and evaporation data of Barchi for the period 1996-1997 to 1999-2000 were used for the
simulations. Water balance components like runoff, evapotranspiration and drainage (groundwater recharge from rainfall) were
determined through SWIM. The drainage was found to vary between 38% and 47% of rainfall (1241 mm to 1887 mm) while the
runoff coefficient varied between 12% and 32% for the study period.
