Colorado Scientists Simulate Super-Drought to Test Prarie Production Limits

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By Denver Post | 06 August 2012 | 193

Colorado's high prairie got so dry last week that even the native blue grama and buffalo grass crunched — the gnarliest conditions since the Dust Bowl. Scientists plan to make the prairie even drier over the next four years by imposing a 66 percent reduction in rainfall. They'll simulate a super-drought by setting up clear plastic "water shelters" that control how much moisture reaches soil at a research station northeast of Fort Collins and five others in four states across the Great Plains. Then the researchers will observe. Read More