Researchers have completed two drought simulators designed to test the effects of water deficiency on crops.

The simulators are being tested by the University of Missouri’s Bradford Research and Extension Center.

The simulators are essentially mobile greenhouses measuring 50 x 100 feet.  They are mounted on railroad tracks so they can be positioned to cover important crops like corn and soybeans during rain and moved away during sunny days.  The devices allow for in-depth testing under real world conditions.

Researchers hope that the simulations can help them to develop crops that are tolerant of water shortages.