Relative Infiltration Rate of Puerto Rican Soils

Abstract

Data are presented here on the minimum rate of infiltration (eighth-hour) of 57 main soil types of Puerto Rico. The study included a total of 740 tests. Mean infiltration rates vary from a high value of 11.49 inches of water per hour in Yunque sandy loam, to a low of 0.07 in Aguirre clay, and 0.01 in Palmas Altas and Britton clay. When the soils were arranged according to a simple, practical classification system in use in Puerto Rico the mean values ranged from 0.01 in group 5w to 7.82 inches in group 11. When the soils were grouped following the latest classification system developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, mean values for soils included in the order Vertisol ranged from 0.07 to 3.83 inches. Mollisols, Oxisols, and Ultisols showed the highest infiltration values. Information is hereby given as to the effects of various soil treatments on infiltration rates.