Estimation of recharge rate using aquifer characterization based on in-situ saturated hydraulic conductivity for Sonar sub-basin in Madhya Pradesh, India

Estimation of recharge rate using aquifer parameters is one of the most complex and difficult tasks related to ground water hydrology. In-situ soil properties are the key hydraulic parameters for flow and transport related phenomena in any aquifer study. In this study, an attempt was made to determine aquifer characteristics such as in-situ saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil matric flux potential, soil sorptivity and recharge rate under field conditions in the Sonar sub-basin. Various sites were identified based on soil groups and geology existed in the sub-basin. A total of 60 observations were collected from 12 sites during dry season (March-April). The procedures for estimating steady flow rate during field application of the Guelph Permeameter method were evaluated by approximate procedures that use the first three or four consecutive values of the rate of fall of the water level equal or differing by less than a given percentage. A weighted mean of observations from all sites were evaluated for average values of in-situ saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil matric flux potential, soil sorptivity and recharge rate. The results obtained showed wide variation in saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil matric flux potential, soil sorptivity and recharge rate for the Sonar sub-basin in the South West and some parts of North East found better.