Catch the Rain

Soil moisture is often the primary factor limiting plant growth on summer dry farms from late spring to autumn. Anecdotal and research evidence suggests that many farms are losing valuable summer/autumn rainfall as runoff which can exacerbate dry/drought conditions and increase flood risks and erosion - this is driven primarily by compaction, bare soil and soil water repellency (hydrophobicity). Similarly, there is an opportunity to reduce evapotranspiration by keeping soils covered and protected from the summer heat and wind, conserving moisture for plant growth.

‘Catch the Rain’ is designed to help;

• Build farmer understanding of the factors affecting rainfall infiltration,

• Measure and assess the problem/opportunity on individual farms, and

• Support farmers to develop, trial and monitor practice/system changes

• Share the learnings and results with the wider farming sector