TITLE:
Direct Measurement of Infiltration through a Playa Wetland Using Automated Double Ring Infiltrometers
AUTHORS:
Cody J. Byars, Dennis C. Gitz III, Richard E. Zartman, John E. Stout, Andrew Weinberg, Robert J. Lascano
KEYWORDS:
Playas, Playa Wetland, Hydrology, Infiltration, Automated Double Ring Infiltrometers
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Soil Science,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Freshwater playas are the predominant hydro-geomorphic landforms in the Southern High Plains (SHP). These shallow ephemeral lake basins act as precipitation runoff catchments within closed watersheds and provide a focal point for Ogallala aquifer recharge. Because of the gradual depletion of the Ogallala aquifer and the importance of playas to aquifer recharge, accurate estimates of infiltration rates through playas are needed. We measured three-day infiltration rates through a playa lakebed using mesoscale double ring infiltrometers installed within a cropland playa. Results were compared to estimates made in earlier studies. Steady state infiltration averaged 0.008 cm·min−1 for double ring infiltrometers as compared to 0.058 cm·min−1 for a simulated single ring. Mesoscale single-ring infiltrometers and small double-ring infiltrometers used in earlier studies considerably overestimated steady state infiltration rates.