Determination of a pedotransfer function for specific air–water interfacial area in sandy soils: A pore network-informed multigene genetic programming approach

Abstract

Understanding specific air–water interfacial area (SAWIA) is essential for characterizing and modeling various phenomena in vadose zone hydrology, such as virus and colloid transport, contaminant dissolution, evaporation, and the hydro-mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils. Traditional measurement methods, including X-ray imaging and tracer techniques, often encounter challenges, leading to a scarcity of studies that provide a reliable relationship for SAWIA. Currently, no pedotransfer function in the literature links SAWIA with saturation and suction using readily measurable soil properties such as median grain size and porosity. In this study, we initially developed a pore network model capable of predicting SAWIA by calibrating it with corresponding soil-water retention curves (SWRCs). We then used these models to compile a comprehensive database of SAWIA for six sandy soils, for which experimental SWRCs were available, covering a range of median grain sizes and porosities. Utilizing this database, we established a pedotransfer function through multigene genetic programming. The accuracy of this function was validated against experimental data not previously used in its training and testing. Our parametric study indicated that increases in either porosity or median particle size led to a decrease in the regions exhibiting higher SAWIA in terms of saturation and suction.