KTIV, IA
04-02-07
Waterlogged Fields Mean A Slow Start To The Growing Season
Siouxland's crops may get off to a late start this spring. There is a natural
explanation.
It will take warmer, drier weather to turn waterlogged fields into land that is
suitable for tractors, planters and seed. Surplus rainfall in the wake of the
seasonal snow melt is raising doubts about meeting the traditional mid April
timetable for starting spring planting.
Iowa State University Crop Specialist Joel DeJong says, "We're going to have
to get a pretty nice weather change between now and then for that to occur. The
short term forecast is cooler than normal, plenty of precipitation chances, and
when you have a soil profile that's actually fairly full of water at this stage of the
game, I think, and that means it's going to be a little slow getting it started."
More rain will be more welcome in July than it is now. Saturated soil also puts
plant roots at risk. The crop expert says they need some air to survive.