Evaluation of Infiltration Behaviour and Soil Characteristics in Dhanbad - Jharia Township Area, Jharkhand, India

As a consequence of interaction between human and surrounding urban soils are generally sealed, compacted and contaminated. Thus investigating and understanding the processes, properties and functions of these soil posses a great challenge for the large human population. The prime goal of this study has to evaluate and relate the steady state infiltration rate with parameters which has significant impact on it. The various parameter considered here includes bulk density, total porosity, organic matter, sand, silt and clay content. Further, current study was also analysed by thematic maps such as soil and geomorphology map. Sixteen locations were selected randomly and experiment was conducted through double ring infiltrometer having inner and outer diameter 30 and 60 cm in the interval of 5,5,10,10,15,15,30,30 minutes. Soil samples were also collected near by the each experiment site for the determination of above said parameters. The results of the infiltration rates was mapped by applying the interpolation method of the Arc GIS 10 software and classified as slow, slow to medium and medium classes. Furthermore, the generated data were subjected to correlation and regression analysis which reveals the significant positive correlation with total porosity, sand organic matter, having r = 0.818, 0.811 and 0.573 where as bulk density, silt and clay were significantly negatively correlated as r = 0.627, -0.693 and 0.444.Overall , the measured infiltration rate varies from slow to medium class which may be due to the soil compaction and other parameters. So to over come this hazard appropriate environmental measure must be applied and plant cover must be increased.