@inproceedings{fdi:010093052,
  title = {{D}irect measurement and indirect estimation of unsaturated soil hydraulic properties in {T}unisian soils},
  author = {{H}maied, {A}. and {H}ammecker, {C}laude},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{T}he hydrological cycle is strongly affected by climate changes causing extreme weather events with long drought periods and intense rainfall events. {T}o predict the hydrological functioning of {T}unisians catchments, modelling is an essential tool to estimate the consequences on water resources and to test the sustainability of the different land uses. {S}oil physical properties describing water flow, are therefore essential to feed the models and need to be determined all over the watershed.{I}n order to complete this task, lightweight, cost effective but robust methods are needed. {I}n the present study, both physically based and empirical models or pedo-transfer functions ({PTF}) have been used to estimate unsaturated soil hydraulic properties based on particles size distribution ({PSD}), and straightforward in-situ infiltration experiments.{T}he specific {P}edo-{T}ransfer {F}unctions ({PTF}s) embedded within the {R}osetta model, the physically grounded {A}rya-{P}aris model, and the {B}eerkan {E}stimation of {S}oil {T}ransfer parameters ({BEST}) have been specifically developed to gauge soil hydraulic parameters based on soil texture, bulk density, and, eventually, outcomes from single-ring infiltration experiments. {T}hese models were applied to a diverse array of soil types from both {N}orthern and {C}entral {T}unisia, with a subsequent comparative analysis aimed at evaluating their potential applicability and individual performances.{C}onsequently, the estimated parameters derived from these models were incorporated into {H}ydrus to compute water flow in the vadose zone under the actual weather conditions prevailing in {T}unisia. {T}he resultant effects on the calculated water balance, encompassing infiltration, drainage, and runoff, were systematically compared for a comprehensive understanding of their implications.{R}esults show that soil hydraulic parameters determined with different techniques are significantly different. {T}he results for simulated water balance over 3 years, show also differences especially for intense rainfall events. {I}t seems that the {BEST} method is a valuable technique for estimating soil hydraulic parameters, offering a cost-effective and practical alternative to traditional methods, especially as it leverages on experimental infiltration data.},
  keywords = {{TUNISIE}},
  numero = {},
  pages = {{EGU}24--6420 [1 ]},
  booktitle = {},
  year = {2025},
  DOI = {10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6420},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010093052},
}