News

Soil moisture down in Indiana ahead of planting

Soil moisture levels dipped a little bit in Indiana during March.

The USDA says average statewide rainfall fell short of normal and while that probably pulled closer the usual levels by late month rains, about a quarter of topsoil and a third of subsoil are short to very short of moisture ahead of widespread planting.

The lower precipitation and occasional winds did lead to reports of brushfires in some areas, while winter wheat conditions remained stable.

Bud break has been reported for some fruit trees.

Farmers spent March applying fertilizer and herbicides ahead of spring planting, in addition to hauling grain and tending to newborn calves.

The USDA’s weekly crop progress and condition reports resume next Monday.