K in an Urban World: New Contexts for Hydraulic Conductivity. (21st May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shuster, W.D.; Schifman, Laura; Kelleher, Christa; Golden, Heather E.; Bhaskar, Aditi S.; Parolari, Anthony J.; Stewart, Ryan D.; Herrmann, Dustin L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Water Resources Association. Volume 57:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 493
• Page End: 504
• Publication Date: 2021-05-21
• Subjects: urban hydrology -- hydraulic conductivity -- urban soils -- infiltration -- hydrologic modeling; Water-supply -- Periodicals; Hydrology -- Periodicals; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water resources development -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 333.9100973
• DOI: 10.1111/1752-1688.12918
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1093-474X

Abstract

Abstract: Hydraulic conductivity ( K ) is a key hydrologic parameter widely recognized to be difficult to estimate and constrain, with little consistent assessment in disturbed, urbanized soils. To estimate K, it is either measured, or simulated by pedotransfer functions, which relate K to easily measured soil properties. We measured K in urbanized soils by double‐ring infiltrometer ( K dring ), near‐saturated tension infiltrometry ( K minidisk ), and constant head borehole permeametry ( K borehole ), along with other soil properties across the major soil orders in 12 United States cities. We compared measured K with that predicted from the pedotransfer function, ROSETTA. We found that regardless of soil texture, K dring was consistently larger than K minidisk ; with the latter having slightly less sample variance. K borehole was dependent upon specific subsurface conditions, and contrary to common expectations, did not always decrease with depth. Based on either soil textural class, or percent textural separates (sand, silt clay), ROSETTA did not accurately predict measured K for surface nor subsurface soils. We go on to discuss how K varies in urban landscapes, the role of measurement methods and artifacts in the perception of this metric, and implications for hydrologic modeling. Overall, we aim to inspire consistency and coherence when addressing K ‐related challenges in sustainable urban water management. Abstract : Research Impact Statement : Hydraulic conductivity ( K ) is not typically measured on nor specifically predictable for urban landscapes. We take a data‐based approach to inform authentic estimation of K in urbanized soils.