Can the planting patterns influence the weather? by Lenka Filipova

Yes, it might seem that the question is the wrong way about, but in fact it is not! Recent studies at South Dakota State University founded by NASA is dallying with the issue whether regional weather behavior and the probability of wildfires could be in some way affected by the shifts in the planting. Men of science at the Geographic Information Science Centre of Excellence decided to make an experiment in regions with high potential of such effects. South and North Dakota, Nebraska, western Minnesota ant northern Iowa will be included in the research. According to Geoff Henebry, an SDSU professor and senior scientist at above mentioned Centre, there are jolly factors affecting the seasonal cycle of whatever exchanges like water and energy. He said that as you changed the land surfaces, you changed the characteristics of the seasonality of the vegetation growth and water use and the brightness. It was explained that the investigation was not aimed to foretell exactly the changes. It is rather done to make clear and sagacious surmises to prevent potential disasters or other dangerous consequences. Within the study very important matter is involved, that is switchgrass used for bio-fuels. It is expected to be largely grown in the future, bringing, however the increased potential of wildfires. It is mainly a significant problem for the regions growing various dried-out grasses and prevailing winds. As these grasses are really flammable, the farms are running the risk of conflagration. Senior scientist Michael Wimberly said that this research could lead to development of practices debarring the disasters and what is more it might help to foresee the eventual hazards.

by Lenka Filipova for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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