Abed et al. (2025) Evaluating the Performance of Infiltration Models Under Semi-Arid Conditions: A Case Study from the Oum Zessar Watershed, Tunisia

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Identification

• Journal: Water
• Year: 2025
• Date: 2025-12-24
• Authors: Rasha Abed, Ammar Adham, Mohammad Esam Shareef, Michel Riksen
• DOI: 10.3390/w18010055

Research Groups

Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Short Summary

This study systematically evaluated four infiltration models (Horton, Philip, Kostiakov, Green–Ampt) using field-measured data in the Oum Zessar watershed, identifying the Kostiakov model as the most effective for the region, followed by the Horton model.

Objective

• To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of four infiltration models (Horton, Philip, Kostiakov, and Green–Ampt) using field-measured infiltration rate data in the Oum Zessar watershed, in order to provide guidance for model selection and parameter setting.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Oum Zessar watershed, specifically "several field locations" within it.
• Temporal Scale: Time-series infiltration data obtained from experimental observations at each location (short-term measurements during infiltration tests).

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Horton, Philip, Kostiakov, Green–Ampt.
• Data sources: Field-measured infiltration rate data obtained using the double-ring infiltrometer technique.
• Calibration: Parametric equations of each model were calibrated using time-series infiltration data from experimental observations.
• Evaluation Metrics: Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Sum of Squared Errors (SSE), Standard Error (STD ERR), bias, Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), correlation (CORR), and Model Performance Index (MPI). Optimal models were indicated by the greatest values of NSE and CORR, and the lowest values of RMSE, SSE, STD ERR, and bias.

Main Results

• The Kostiakov model demonstrated optimal fitting values across all indicators and locations evaluated.
• The Horton model consistently showed the second-best fitting values for most indicators.
• The Model Performance Index (MPI) provided a clear scoring system, confirming the superior performance of the Kostiakov model.

Contributions

• Provides a systematic evaluation and comparative analysis of four widely used infiltration models within the specific hydrological context of the Oum Zessar watershed.
• Offers practical recommendations for selecting the most appropriate infiltration model and setting its parameters for water management and hydrological studies in the study area.
• Identifies the Kostiakov model as the most suitable for the region, followed by the Horton model, based on comprehensive statistical assessment.

Funding

Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Citation

@article{Abed2025Evaluating,
  author = {Abed, Rasha and Adham, Ammar and Shareef, Mohammad Esam and Riksen, Michel},
  title = {Evaluating the Performance of Infiltration Models Under Semi-Arid Conditions: A Case Study from the Oum Zessar Watershed, Tunisia},
  journal = {Water},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.3390/w18010055},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/w18010055}
}