GLOBE Student Data Aids Agricultural Research

Farmers in Washington State have observed that, if it rains just before wheat crops are harvested, the seeds on the plant start to germinate, rendering them less useful for planting new wheat crops the following year. Researchers from Washington State University are turning to GLOBE students to help the farmers address this problem.

In beginning this research effort, Dr. Stephen Spaeth from the University's Seed Technology Lab looked for precipitation data from various meteorological stations around the state, but found that such data were not available in the area of concern.

Fortunately, Dr. Spaeth had become familiar with the availability of GLOBE data through his daughter's participation in the program as a student at Sunnyside Elementary School in Pullman, Washington. By visiting the GLOBE web site, Dr. Spaeth found the data he needed from St. John Vianney School, a GLOBE school in Spokane, Washington.

"You have collected and published one of the most complete public weather records in one area of our interest," Dr. Spaeth told the GLOBE students.

The scientists are using local GLOBE precipitation data to identify when there are harmful rains and to help determine when other water sources may be a cause for early germination of wheat seeds.

"Zero or trace readings of precipitation may not be as exciting as huge downpours, but sometimes they are just as important," Dr. Spaeth said. With this data, he and his colleagues will better be able to track precipitation events along with the wheat growing season, and look for relationships between exposure to water and seed germination.

The GLOBE students at St. John Vianney have been collecting atmospheric data consistently since Spring 1995. The students, who are also experienced in soil characterization studies, have also been called on to assist the Washington State Soil Conservation Department in other studies of local agricultural field conditions.