Modelling 2D water table and soil moisture distribution in a field installed with sub surface drainage

Abstract

The present study is part of the development of an environment-friendly water management system based on sub surface drainage technology. It is aimed at creating a multipurpose farmland with expectation of increase in both benefits and productivity. Subsurface drainage pipes which are installed inside mole-drain, functions as water channel that flows water into the drainage channel. Simulation was run using a 2D numerical soil water flow model based on Richard's equation. It integrates varying soil textures with aim of figuring the optimum setting of sub-drains in response to soil textures. The depth of sub-drain was established at 40cm beneath the surface for all conditions as it is the current installation available in Indonesia. Our simulation shows the variation of soil moisture and pressure over distance, time and different textures under specified spacing of sub-surface installation.