15-Fabrication, Testing and Evaluation of a rainfall simulator.

Abstract

Information on soil loss under different slopes, vegetative covers and rainfall characteristics are not available in order to make specific recommendation for a particular region. This information is necessary for predicting soil and run off losses from watersheds, having different slopes vegetative covers, as well as soil groups. It will not be possible to generate all such vital information from field size or larger runoff plots within limited time space and resources. Generating all such information under simulated conditions through rainfall simulator is the only way out to overcome some of the above limitations of time and space, and to study the various aspects under controlled conditions. The attempt made at the CS&WCR&TI, Research Centre, Bellary have resulted in the development of a easily workable rainfall simulator which consists mainly (1) Rainfall simulator frame (2) Sprinkler hemispherical copper bowls (3) Drip screen with oscillating arrangement to simulate rainfall (4) Soil tray (5) Collection buckets etc. The other important component is a 0.5 HP electric motor to pump and supply water to the three numbers of sprinkler bowls through 1 " G.I. pipe connections. There are other minor accessories like drums to store and collect the excess water, measuring cylinder etc. The above rainfall simulator has been fabricated locally, tested and evaluated at the Research Centre, Bellary. It has been found to be working well and satisfactorily.