Application of artificial rain in experimental systems: Methods, results of case studies, and future needs.

摘要

Research have employed artificial rain systems ranging in complexity from simple dippers or hoses for irrigation purposes to complex machines capable of simulating the physical features of rainfall for many years. Variable water supplies leading to drought, flooding, and associated soil erosion were concerns that prompted the designs of these early attempts to simulate rainfall. With the recognition that precipitation was a source of contaminants which might impact the status of plant, soil, and water based systems. Further interest was generated in the creation of techniques for producing artificial rain that more appropriately simulated the physical and chemical interactions between rainfall and plant/soil systems. The objectives of this paper are to outline key features of existing rain simulation systems and to provide examples of these systems from the literature. In addition, we will summarize key results of recent research showing the impact of rain chemistry on foliar ion balance and physiology to give the reader an appreciation of the direct effects rainfall can have on foliar processes. 56 refs. 1 figs., 2 tabs.