Weather, soil moisture and crops

Weather, soil moisture and crops

Your definition of drought will depend on the amount of subsoil in your fields

My 2016 barley crop was seeded May 8 into excellent moisture at a depth of 1.0 to 1.5 inches — a bit deeper in some soft sloughs. Up to the date of seeding there had been essentially no spring rains. A May 4 burn off with 2,4-D + Glyphosate took care of the volunteer canola […] Read more


(WeatherFarm.com/weather-maps)

Timing of rain ‘ideal’ for Prairie crops

CNS Canada — Well timed weekend rains across Western Canada have benefited germinating canola crops and soil conditions — but some areas could use more moisture, one weather and crop specialist says. “In terms of the timing of the rains, they’ve been pretty well ideal,” said Bruce Burnett of G3 Canada. Showers over the week […] Read more




(click image for larger view)

Stubble soil moisture, November 1, 2015

Les Henry’s annual soil moisture map gives us a true view of water availability

This map shows the best estimate of subsoil moisture from three inches to four feet. First — this is a map of general conditions in general areas. Do not get too hung up on the exact placement of lines. But, it is still very useful in planning for 2016 outcomes. With a soil full of […] Read more


Departure from average precipitation for the period from Nov. 1, 2015 to Feb. 15, 2016. (Map courtesy AAFC)

Drought watch kept on Alberta, early spring expected

CNS Canada — Above-average temperatures and limited precipitation could mean parts of the Prairies will struggle with soil moisture heading into the spring, according to one specialist. “The soil moisture that we have in the ground right now is similar to what we went into the winter with,” said Trevor Hadwen, agroclimate specialist with Agriculture […] Read more

Sask. dryness could impact global canaryseed prices

CNS Canada –– Dryness in Saskatchewan could support global canaryseed prices, as the province produces nearly all of Canada’s crop. Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of canaryseed worldwide, according to a federal government report. Kevin Hursh, executive director for the Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan, expects global canaryseed prices will eventually react […] Read more


water irrigation equipment

Manage water to optimize wheat, canola production

Use your irrigation system to its full potential by asking these four question about water needs

Often the most limiting nutrient in irrigated crop production is water! Many irrigation farmers tend to under-irrigate their crops, which limits yield potential. Often the main reasons for under-irrigation are simply not checking soil moisture frequently and starting the irrigation system too late. Knowing the answers to these four questions can help. 1. How much water does […] Read more