Rev. Bras. Ciênc. Solo.2019;43:e0180096.
Tipping Bucket Prototype for Automatic Quantification of Surface Runoff Rate in Plots
André Somavilla, Paulo Ivonir Gubiani 
, Anderson Luiz Zwirtz
07/Jan/2019
DOI: 10.1590/18069657rbcs20180096
Graphical Abstract
Highlights
The proposed tipping bucket automatically quantifies surface runoff in plots
After calibration, the tipping bucket accurately quantified the runoff
Users can change the tipping bucket dimensions according their needs
ABSTRACT:
Quantification of runoff rate is an onerous task with non-automated devices; it requires a lot of manual labor to perform measurements. In this study, an automatic device to quantify the surface runoff rate from plots with a small area was developed and tested. The prototype was based on the tipping bucket technique and built with reused materials. Its performance was tested in the laboratory and a calibration curve was developed to improve measurement accuracy. The device can be used for automatic quantification of surface runoff in small plots, with a flow rate of less than 750 × 103 mm3 min-1. The device can be built with different dimensions to measure different flow rates. In that case, the error measurements and calibration curve must be recalculated.
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