The world's leading modeling environment for the analysis of water flow, heat, and solute transport in variably saturated porous media. Version 5 merges the legendary HYDRUS-1D and HYDRUS (2D/3D) into one powerful integrated package.
HYDRUS version 5 (released April 2022) merges two previously independent software packages HYDRUS-1D and HYDRUS (2D/3D). It provides computational finite element models for simulating 1D, 2D, and 3D movement of water, heat, and multiple solutes, supported by an interactive graphics-based interface for mesh generation and results presentation.
Simulate transient water flow in variably saturated porous media with high precision using finite element models.
Model coupled water and heat transport processes in soil profiles and complex subsurface systems.
Track movement of multiple solutes including reactive and non-reactive compounds with inverse estimation capabilities.
Acquire only the segment appropriate for your application. Upgrade easily from lower to higher levels or previous versions as your modeling needs evolve.
One-dimensional applications (formerly HYDRUS-1D).
Rectangular 2D geometries (former Hydrus-2D without MeshGen-2D).
General 2D geometries (former Hydrus-2D with MeshGen-2D).
Layered 3D or hexahedral geometries.
General 3D geometries for the most complex applications.
Extend your modeling environment with specialized modules for geochemistry, preferential flow, slope stability, and more. Modules can be purchased individually or as a package.
Couples HYDRUS with the PHREEQC geochemical code. Simulates transient water flow, multi-component transport, and mixed equilibrium/kinetic biogeochemical reactions.
Major Ion Chemistry Module that can be used instead of standard solute transport for comprehensive chemical analysis and ion exchange modeling.
Models biochemical transformation and degradation processes in constructed wetlands using CW2D and CWM1 biokinetic formulations.
Simulates colloid transport and colloid-facilitated solute transport in variably-saturated media.
Models preferential flow and solute transport in dual-permeability porous media.
Hybrid FV-FE model describing coupled surface-subsurface flow during furrow irrigation.
Considers sorption to the air-water interface and concentration effects on surface tension/viscosity.
Simulates fate of fumigants, including tarp removal and temperature-dependent properties.
Dynamic Plant Uptake module for translocation and transformation of neutral compounds in plants.
Parallelized computational modules taking advantage of multi-core processors to significantly accelerate direct simulations.
Global Optimization algorithms including Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO, CLPSO, G-CLPSO) for parameter estimation.
COSMIC calculates neutron fluxes for soil moisture analysis. Particle Tracking calculates water age and travel times.
Predicts temporally infiltration-induced landslide initiation using a unified effective stress approach for both saturated and unsaturated conditions. Computes fields of the factor of safety in the entire domain.
Intended for stability checks of embankments, dams, and earth cuts. Automatically imports pore pressure distribution from HYDRUS results for specified time steps.
Versatile solutions for agricultural, environmental, and geotechnical challenges.
Comprehensive analysis and planning for efficient water distribution.
Precision design and optimization of localized drip systems.
Modeling and design for overhead sprinkler distribution systems.
Simulation of water flow to complex subsurface drainage systems.
Advanced modeling for specific crops, including the Cotton model.
Analysis of salt leaching and soil reclamation processes.
Tracking nonpoint source pollution and chemical transport.
Long-term water flow analysis and seasonal plant response.
A comprehensive modeling suite for water flow, heat, and multi-solute transport in variably saturated media.
Numerical solution for saturated-unsaturated water flow, incorporating plant root uptake sink terms.
Convection-dispersion modeling with nonlinear reactions and sequential first-order decay chains.
Physical nonequilibrium using dual porosity formulations and mobile-immobile liquid phases.
Marquardt-Levenberg parameter estimation for soil hydraulic and solute reaction parameters.
The HYDRUS program numerically solves the Richards equation for saturated-unsaturated water flow and convection-dispersion type equations for heat and solute transport. The flow equation incorporates a sink term for plant root water uptake, while the heat transport equation considers conduction and convection with flowing water. The governing solute transport equations include provisions for nonlinear nonequilibrium reactions between solid and liquid phases, and linear equilibrium reactions between liquid and gaseous phases, permitting the simulation of both adsorbed and volatile solutes such as pesticides.
HYDRUS considers up to fifteen solutes, which can be coupled in a unidirectional chain or move independently. Physical nonequilibrium transport is handled via a two-region, dual porosity type formulation, partitioning the liquid phase into mobile and immobile regions. Attachment/detachment theory is included to simulate transport of viruses, colloids, and bacteria.
The model handles irregular boundaries and nonuniform soils with arbitrary local anisotropy. Flow and transport can occur in vertical/horizontal planes, radially symmetric 3D regions, or full 3D domains. Boundary conditions support prescribed head/flux, atmospheric conditions, seepage faces, and free drainage.
Soil hydraulic properties are described using van Genuchten, Brooks-Corey, Durner, and Kosugi analytical functions, with support for empirical hysteresis models (Scott et al., Kool & Parker, Lenhard et al.). The numerical solution uses Galerkin type linear finite elements with automatic time step adjustment and mass-conservative evaluation for optimal efficiency and accuracy.
Recognized globally by researchers and industry professionals as the most accomplished software for subsurface hydrology.
Developed by award-winning scientists Rien van Genuchten and Jirka Simunek, both Fellows of AGU, AAAS, SSSA, and ASA with tens of thousands of citations.
Used by over 10,000 users worldwide, including leading research institutions, regulatory agencies, and top global consulting companies.
Backed by thousands of peer-reviewed journal articles and successful verifications. Features "Highly Cited" and "Hot" papers in the Vadose Zone Journal.
Hundreds of resolved problems and tutorials available for learning. Supported by active discussion forums with thousands of registered experts.
Seamlessly linked to other industry-standard tools like MODFLOW, PHREEQC, Rosetta, and DSSAT.
No other subsurface hydrology software can match the legacy of verifications, validations, and research impact established by HYDRUS.
HYDRUS comes with hundreds of resolved problems to help users learn and validate their applications.
Skagg's column infiltration, field soil profiles under grass, nitrification chains, and cation adsorption.
Evaporation and outflow experiments for parameter estimation and inverse modeling.
C-Ride (colloids), Cosmic Ray Neutron analysis, Dynamic Plant Uptake, and PFAS transport.