We are learning more about the latest topsoil moisture ratings, which show levels are largely unchanged from last week.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey gives an overview for the entire country.
“For the week ending May 1st, we’re looking at topsoil moisture rated 15% surplus, and on the flip side, we see 32% rated very short to short. Terms of change from last week, at 15% is down from 16% a week ago and 32% very short to short. That is a slight change from last week’s 34%.”
Snow storms in the Dakotas helped moisture levels there. Rippey says the driest areas are the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states with New Mexico leading the way. The wettest regions are the Mid-west and Mid-south.
“So, if we look at our NOAA three-month forecast, so, the forecast for May, June, and July, for our region, they’re forecasting what we would call average. So, we have a 50-50 chance of being above-or below-normal temperatures, and a 50-50 chance of being above-or below-normal precipitation. So, they’re forecasting what we would consider average for our growing season. Starting the year with good subsoil moisture, I don’t believe La Niña is going to have much of an impact, according to their predictions, on our crop production system.”
Jamie Patton says conditions outside the upper Mid-west do not look as fortunate.
Related:
The nation’s topsoil moisture condition rating contrast continues
Farmers Fear of Triple Dip La Nina
NASA and USDA work together to study soil moisture
