Rainfall Demonstrator

Illustrating the need for best management practices on farms, Penn State’s Rainfall Demonstrator literally “made it rain” in the Capitol this week.

The hands-on display demonstrated how unprotected soil can wash off the land during rain events, causing water quality problems and reducing farm productivity.

Dr. Sjoerd Duiker, a Penn State agronomist, discussed the benefits of cover crops, good conservation and no-till planting techniques using the Demonstrator.

The Rainfall Demonstrator is a self-contained display that represents the effects of soil management practices on runoff and soil erosion potential of active farmland. It allows visitors to experience first-hand the effects of no-till systems on environmental quality.

The Demonstrator sprays water on three different examples of farming techniques: an actual sample of a field that has used no-till practices for 29 years, a tray showing reduced tillage techniques and traditional farming methods.

No-till systems include continuous mulch cover, cover crops, and diverse crop rotations. Research has shown the positive impact of these systems on soil organic matter content, soil aggregation and water infiltration, translating in improved water and air quality.

Video Blog: Dr. Sjoerd Duiker shows benefits of no-till farming.

Link: PA No-Till Alliance

Rodale Institute No-Till+ Webpage

3/21/2008