Medición automatizada de la infiltración de agua: implicaciones para la gestión sostenible del agua en diferentes tipos de suelo

Context: The assessment of water infiltration in various soil types is fundamental for the sustainable management of water and soil resources. Accurate measurement methods are needed to advance our understanding of infiltration processes and to support effective water management practices that maintain soil integrity. Knowledge Gapgap: While progress has been made in infiltration measurement techniques, the extent to which automated systems can enhance accuracy and inform sustainable water and soil management strategies remains unclear. Purpose: This study investigates how the use of automated systems can improve the accuracy of soil water infiltration measurements, contributing to more effective strategies for sustainable management of water and soil resources. Methods: The study examines the relationship between the physical composition of soils in a toposequence of three distinct types (Latosol, Argisol, Neosol) and their water infiltration rates. An automated system incorporating a ring infiltrometer, ultrasonic sensor, and Arduino microcontroller was used for continuous infiltration measurements in the soils of the Tietê-Batalha watershed, São Paulo (SP), Brazil. Results and Conclusions: The findings show that Neosol had an average infiltration rate of 52.18 ± 6.88 mm h-1, Argisol recorded a rate of 47.20 ± 1.64 mm h-1, and Latosol exhibited a lower average of 37.76 ± 1.15 mm h-1. The results demonstrate the advantages of integrating automated technology into soil analysis, revealing a partial correlation between soil physical properties and infiltration rates. Although challenges remain in implementing automated systems, their use enhances the understanding of hydrological processes and supports more informed decisions in sustainable resource management. Recommendations and Future future Perspectives: Future research should investigate the influence of climatic and environmental factors on measurement accuracy, as well as the broader implications for sustainable management practices across different environmental conditions. These areas of inquiry are important for advancing knowledge and improving strategies for conserving water and soil resources.