Comparison of between DLA model results and observations.

<p>(The horizontal average is given as the mean of 20 realizations).</p

Minimum, maximum, and mean dye coverage for all plots [10].

<p>Minimum, maximum, and mean dye coverage for all plots [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0119943#pone.0119943.ref010" target="_blank">10</a>].</p

Crossover and mutation process.

<p>(A pair of genes was chosen and parts of both genes were replaced. A gene population was the randomly chosen and a part of the binary number was randomly selected for replacement 0 → 1 or 1 → 0).</p

Soil water content before and after infiltration below the dripper.

<p>Soil water content before and after infiltration below the dripper.</p

Water drop penetration time in horizontal direction of soil surface.

<p>Water drop penetration time in horizontal direction of soil surface.</p

Gene selection process.

<p>(Genes corresponding to DLA parameters considering the continuous equation, P_u + P_d + P_l + P_r = 1.0, DLA parameters (P_u, P_d, P_l, and P_r of the upper layer, T_p, P_u, P_d, P_l, and P_r of the lower layer) were generated by random numbers and transformed to binary gene values (strings). A group of genes forms a population).</p

Optimization step of DLA parameters.

<p>(The initial population of genes was applied to the DLA model. Combinations of genes were reorganized according to the DLA fit order. Combinations of genes were developed by the selection, crossover, and mutation thus creating a new population).</p

Example of three successive dye pattern sections from each plot [10].

<p>Example of three successive dye pattern sections from each plot [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0119943#pone.0119943.ref010" target="_blank">10</a>].</p

Soil bulk density and particle size distribution of the experimental plots.

<p>Soil bulk density and particle size distribution of the experimental plots.</p

Conceptual diagram of simulated area.

<p>Conceptual diagram of simulated area.</p