(Spencer)— While the repeated snow and rain storms this spring have been a source of frustration for many, the precipitation has gone a long way toward recharging the region’s subsoil moisture level.
Iowa State University has completed its spring survey of subsoil moisture for northwest Iowa and the findings show levels have increased dramatically since last fall. According to the report, subsoil moisture levels have increased an average of 5.2 inches since last fall, with levels ranging from 6.4 inches to 10.3 inches of plant available moisture in Emmet, Dickinson, Clay, Buena Vista, Pocahontas and Sac counties. Typical soils in northwest Iowa have the potential to hold from 10 to 11 inches of moisture in the top five feet of soil. Last fall, the levels ranged from 1.4 to 5.8 inches at sites near Spirit Lake and Pocahontas.
The survey says 5.3 to 9.0 inches of rain has fallen since the 2012 crop reached maturity. It says some winter precipitation may have also helped with the replenishment.
Even then, the report says adequate and timely summer rainfall will still be needed to produce normal corn and soybean crops.
