To evaluate how the erosion and runoff process' work, one would conduct a Rainfall Simulation. Doing a simulation, one comes to comprehend various types of land management and the infiltration that occurs according to how the land is used. The land used in this lab consists of thick cover and low cover. The plots are mainly covered in grass and were dry before the simulation took place. At about 3 o'clock in the afternoon on a very windy day at the Texas A&M field the simulation began. The soil was dry when beginning the lab and samples were taken to find out its infiltration rate. The area of the plot was 3 meters squared and the infiltration rate was taken from there. This rain simulation lab is specifically conducted to gain experience in learning about the infiltration process and sediment yield. Knowing these specific types of objectives one can then fee off of results of this lab to make their land healthy.
             The information for the Rainfall Simulation lab can be found on pages 11-1 through 12-2 of the Spring 2002 Range and Forest Watershed Management Lab Manual.
             The rainfall simulation lab began with two groups of students who each had a plot and a simulator, the only difference was the amount of bare ground, forbs, grass, and litter. One is considered the low cover plot and the other is the dense cover plot. The sizes of the plots were both 3 meters squared and were within 2 meters distance away from each other.
             Begin the lab by taking a sample of soil to use when comparing the infiltration capacity of the soil. Bulk Density is one of the first things to look for. The Bulk Density of soil shows how compact the soil is and does not allow water to get through when it is so compact. When Bulk Density increases, Infiltration decreases. Calculation of Bulk Density using the mass of the dry soil tells the observer the maximum amount of water that can be held by the soil. The soil could also be used fo...