Abstract

A study conducted to characterise the major soil series of Tamil Nadu for infiltration rate (IR) and hydraulic conductivity (HC) indicated that the soils coming under the Vertisol order possessed lowest IR followed by Alfisol, Inceptisol and Entisol. The hydraulic conductivity of the soils had shown the presence of hardpan in the sub surface of the soils coming under Alfisols. Among the soil physical properties, there was a positive and significant correlation between the sand content and HC and negative correlation with the silt and clay content. Peelamedu, Perianaickenpalayam. Palathurai, Madukkur and Pattukkottai soil series have moderate IR with moderate to rapid HC. Tulkkanur, Palladam and Vyalogam soil series have moderately rapid IR with rapid to very rapid HC. Irugur soil series showed rapid IR with moderately rapid HC, while Kalathur soil series recorded moderately poor IR and moderate HC.

Keywords: Infiltration rate; Hydraulic conductivity, Major soil series of Tamil Nadu.