44.3. Effective Rainfall (ER)

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is Effective Rainfall?

   Hint

   Think about what rainwater is used for in agriculture.

2. 2.

   Name one method to estimate Effective Rainfall.

   Hint

   Consider which organizations provide guidelines for these methods.

3. 3.

   What is Effective Rainfall?

   • Total rainfall available for crops
   • Rain that is lost to evaporation
   • Usable precipitation for crops

   Hint

   Focus on what is truly usable by plants.

4. 4.

   True or False: All rainfall contributes equally to crop needs.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the factors that eliminate rainwater availability.

5. 5.

   Consider a field that receives 1000 mm of rain per year. If 200 mm evaporates and 150 mm runs off, what is the Effective Rainfall?

   Hint

   Subtract evaporation and runoff from the total rainfall.

6. 6.

   How would you explain the importance of Effective Rainfall in regions prone to drought?

   Hint

   Think about water scarcity and crop survival strategies.