Information
Evaluating fallow management options using simulated rainfall
Level 1 General description
Purpose:
At five of the sites a rainfall simulator was used on a range of tillage conditions. Rain was simulated on each of the plots for approximately 50 minutes. Rain was applied at 100mm/hr (4 inches per hour) to simulate a summer storms.
Methods (brief)
At five of the sites a rainfall simulator was used, zero till conditions. Rain was simulated on each of the plots for approximately 50 minutes. Rain was applied at 100mm/hr (4 inches per hour), simulating summer storms.
Key findings (brief)
- High stubble levels reduce runoff even when rainfall is heavy. In this example, stubble on the surface or buried was equally effective;
- Deep tillage increased the time before rain ran off, but once the surface was wet and ponds were filled, runoff increased quickly;
- A smooth rolled surface shed rain very quickly, with greater than half of the rain applied running off; and
- If stubble levels are low, runoff is inevitable when rain falls quickly.
Location
‘Rosevale’, Mt Tyson
Related studies
The study was also carried out on sites in Bungunya, Chinchilla, Ellangowan, Felton East, Roma, Westmar.