The mean annual rainfall is 1115.9 mm. The highest recorded rainfall was 1392.3 mm in 2020, while the lowest recorded rainfall was 753.6 mm in 1990.
The rainfall data for Neerim Junction provides valuable insights for regenerating an old farm into a permaculture farm. The mean annual rainfall of 1115.9 mm suggests that the area receives a significant amount of precipitation, which can be beneficial for agricultural practices.
The table shows the monthly mean rainfall, highest and lowest recorded rainfall, and other relevant statistics. It is important to note that rainfall patterns can vary from year to year, and these values represent historical averages.
For the context of regenerating the old farm, the rainfall data can help inform decisions related to water catchment and storage systems, irrigation planning, and plant selection. The monthly distribution of rainfall can guide the timing of various activities, such as planting, mulching, or implementing water conservation measures.
The highest recorded rainfall of 1392.3 mm indicates the potential for heavy rainfall events, which should be considered when designing drainage systems and managing erosion on the farm. Conversely, the lowest recorded rainfall of 753.6 mm highlights the possibility of drier periods, requiring careful water management strategies during those times.
By leveraging the abundant rainfall, the farm can capitalize on natural water resources to support plant growth, soil regeneration, and overall ecosystem health. Implementing water-harvesting techniques, such as swales, ponds, or rainwater tanks, can help capture and store water during periods of high rainfall for later use during drier periods.
Additionally, the regenerative farm can utilize the diverse range of rainfall patterns to establish a resilient and diverse ecosystem. Different plant species with varying water requirements can be selected to thrive under different rainfall conditions, enhancing the farm's overall sustainability.
Overall, the rainfall data provides valuable information to guide the development of a permaculture farm in Neerim Junction, enabling effective water management and supporting the regenerative efforts on the old farm.
Statistics | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual |
Mean rainfall (mm) | 68.0 | 60.1 | 71.1 | 84.6 | 84.8 | 105.7 | 104.9 | 114.0 | 117.7 | 112.5 | 102.2 | 91.4 | 1115.9 |
Highest rainfall (mm) | 140.2 | 224.0 | 148.8 | 240.2 | 194.4 | 242.4 | 182.8 | 199.8 | 258.0 | 230.0 | 180.4 | 205.6 | 1392.3 |
Occured in | 2020 | 2011 | 1982 | 1990 | 2000 | 2021 | 1991 | 1990 | 1993 | 1989 | 2022 | 1985 | 2011 |
Lowest rainfall (mm) | 8.4 | 6.0 | 23.0 | 16.2 | 22.4 | 19.8 | 39.8 | 26.4 | 60.0 | 11.2 | 34.6 | 25.8 | 753.6 |
Occured in | 1990 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2001 | 2006 | 1994 | 1982 | 2015 | 1981 | 1982 | 1997 | 1997 |
Decile 1 rainfall (mm) | 32.2 | 13.6 | 30.3 | 40.6 | 42.8 | 62.2 | 64.6 | 65.6 | 69.6 | 46.9 | 52.0 | 48.4 | 931.4 |
Decile 5 (median) rainfall (mm) | 68.0 | 40.8 | 75.7 | 80.4 | 85.8 | 99.4 | 105.8 | 109.3 | 108.4 | 110.2 | 96.8 | 88.6 | 1118.8 |
Decile 9 rainfall (mm) | 119.6 | 142.4 | 105.5 | 134.6 | 123.4 | 157.6 | 157.8 | 173.2 | 188.8 | 177.1 | 157.4 | 146.0 | 1344.7 |
Highest daily rainfall (mm) | 45.8 | 138.6 | 56.0 | 71.2 | 35.8 | 154.0 | 65.2 | 44.6 | 56.0 | 98.2 | 57.2 | 61.6 | 154.0 |
Occured in | 25 Jan 1982 | 03 Feb 2005 | 07 Mar 2010 | 21 Apr 1984 | 29 May 2000 | 10 Jun 2021 | 29 Jul 1984 | 11 Aug 2011 | 18 Sep 1988 | 04 Oct 2023 | 23 Nov 2020 | 22 Dec 2007 | 10 Jun 2021 |
Mean number of days of rain | 10.2 | 8.9 | 11.6 | 12.7 | 15.0 | 16.7 | 18.3 | 18.2 | 16.9 | 15.4 | 14.2 | 12.0 | 170.1 |
Mean number of days of rain ≥ 1 mm | 7.4 | 6.5 | 9.0 | 9.5 | 12.2 | 13.8 | 14.8 | 15.2 | 14.0 | 12.7 | 11.6 | 9.6 | 136.3 |
Mean number of days of rain ≥ 10 mm | 2.5 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.3 | 36.6 |
Mean number of days of rain ≥ 25 mm | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 6.3 |
Summary statistics for all years
Statistic | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Mean | 69.2 | 60.1 | 71.1 | 84.6 | 84.8 | 105.7 | 104.9 | 114.0 | 117.7 | 112.5 | 102.2 | 93.2 |
Median | 68.0 | 40.8 | 75.7 | 80.4 | 85.8 | 99.4 | 105.8 | 109.3 | 108.4 | 110.2 | 96.8 | 90.3 |
Highest Daily | 45.8
25th 1982 | 138.6
3rd 2005 | 56.0 7
th 2010 | 71.2
21st 1984 | 35.8 29th 2000 | 154.0 10th 2021 | 65.2
29th 1984 | 44.6
11th 2011 | 56.0
18th 1988 | 66.0
12th 1990 | 43.0 23rd 2008 | 61.6
22nd 2007 |
Insights and Implications—High annual rainfall, with its variability and potential for extremes, underscores the need for water management, erosion control, and effective drainage systems in farming practices.
The high annual rainfall provides ample water, beneficial for irrigation, water catchment systems, and supporting robust plant growth. However, the occurrence of both heavy rainfall and significant dry spells necessitates effective water capture and storage systems to manage these extremes.
Planning for heavy rainfall events is crucial to prevent soil erosion and manage runoff effectively, ensuring that water benefits the farm without damaging the infrastructure or landscape.
Design and maintain drainage systems that can effectively manage runoff during heavy rainfall events. This could include the use of permeable surfaces, the construction of swales or French drains, and the use of detention basins to slow down and control the flow of runoff, preventing damage to the farm's infrastructure or landscape.
Actions: Implementing rainwater harvesting, preventing soil erosion, and managing runoff effectively to optimise water use and enhance land resilience
Construct rainwater harvesting systems, such as ponds or swales, to capture and store water during periods of high rainfall. This can provide a water source for irrigation during drier periods, ensuring consistent plant growth and soil moisture levels.