The state climatologist for Iowa says soil conditions appear to be favorable for the state’s farmers as spring approaches.
Justin Glisan tells Brownfield, “You look at the drought depiction this time last year along with soil moisture profiles, we’re in a better position. We see wetter soil profiles across much of the state. Southern Iowa we do see some abnormal dryness creeping in.”
He says recent rain events have helped with subsoil moisture levels.
“Banking soil moisture is great just in case we move into a dry stretch in early spring or even into May and June as vegetative demand increases.”
Glisan says the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data shows most of the so-called abnormally dry areas are currently in the southern and eastern portions of the state. He adds that actual D1 moderate drought conditions are very minimal, covering just 6% of the state.
