FLOWDATA - SOFTWARE FOR ANALYSIS OF INFILTRATION DATA FROM AUTOMATED INFILTROMETERS

Soil hydraulic properties are quite variable, and characterization of field sites usually requires many measurements. One way to collect the data needed for field site characterization is to use multiple infiltrometers with automated data collection capabilities. Automated infiltrometers use pressure transducers connected to a datalogger to measure cumulative infiltration over time. The FLOWDATA software was developed to reformat, graphically display, and analyze the large well-structured data sets collected with automated infiltrometers. Program features include interactive editing, graphing, statistical summaries for each infiltration data set, and pooling of estimates from multiple data sets. Inputs required are identification codes, times, transducer voltage readings, and transducer calibration riles. Outputs are infiltration rates, and saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivities. Program performance is demonstrated with data from a typical field data file.