Hydrological Properties of Latosols for Water Management in Humid Tropics

An analysis of the hydrological characteristics of a typical humid tropical latosol was done at Kollamparamba. The experimental site is representative of the midland region occurring in the elevation ranges of 10 70 m +m.s.l. with slopes ranging from 15 to 20%. The hydrological properties in relation to water management problems of the hill slope latosols are discussed. On the basis of high infiltration capacity and low runoff, these soils can be classified under hydrological soil group A. The irrigation method for these hill slopes has to take into account the soil properties of high infiltration and low retentivity. For soil moisture storage computation of latosols, the gravel proportion in the soil layers has also to be considered.