Development of a portable field rainfall simulator for use in hillside vineyard runoff and erosion studies

Abstract

Abstract:An inexpensive, mobile ®eld rainfall simulator and runo plot frame were developed for use on hillside vineyards. The simulator framework and components were lightweight, readily available and easily manageable such that they can be handled by one person during transport, set±up and operation. The vineyard rainfall simulator was simpler than many of the machines in recent use for similar studies, yet oered equal or improved performance for small-plot studies. The system developed consistent sized 2 . 58 mm raindrops at intensities ranging from 20 to 90 mm/h. The average distribution uniformity coecient at an intensity of 60 mm/h was 91 . 7%, with a deviation of only 2 . 2%. This coecient was similar to the range reported for a more complex rotating disk simulator, and was notably greater than that obtained for other similar devices. The system water capacity of 40 l allowed for 1-h storm durations at 60 mm/h, usually sucient time for commencement of erosion and runo. The runo plot frame was designed to be quickly installed, and to discourage sediment deposition in the routing of runo to collect containers.

Development and Calibration of a New Dripper-Based Rainfall Simulator for Large-Scale Sediment Wash-Off Studies

“…First, the simulator achieved an impressive uniformity for three different rain intensities, 30, 50 and 80 mm/h, covering a large area of around 36 m 2 . The use of drippers is simpler than existing drop-forming rainfall simulators [26][27][28][29] and allows the use of this typology in large-scale studies, being characterized by a better control of rain properties. In addition, the studied area can easily be extended while maintaining uniformity if the water supply pressure is inside the operating range of pressure-compensating drippers.…”

Effects of Rain Intensity and Initial Soil Moisture on Hydrological Responses in Laboratory Conditions

“…The spatial distribution of the rainfall intensity was tested by taking measurements of the rain amount at 15 points using small plastic cups over the 2 m 2 plot area. The collected rain amount data were then used in the Christiansen uniformity formula (Abudi et al, 2012;Battany and Grismer, 2000). The spatial distribution of the rainfall intensity over the study area is shown in Fig.…”

Factors Contributing to the Off-Target Transport of Pyrethroid Insecticides from Urban Surfaces

“…Drop forming rainfall simulators described by Battany and Grismer 14 were constructed with 1 m 2 needle panels loaded with 23-gauge hypodermic syringe needles (B-D Precision Glide). Simulators were elevated 1.6 m above the target surface and provided a homogeneous drop pattern and drop size that impacted the target surface with approximately 60% of the kinetic energy of natural rainfall 15 .…”