Features
Agronomy
Harvesting
Soil moisture improves and harvest progresses in Alberta
By Alberta Agriculture
Provincial soil moisture ratings are gradually improving, with 74 per cent of the average surface soil moisture currently rated as good or excellent, according to Alberta's latest crop report.
Soil moisture conditions in the north and northeast are raising the average, with surface soil moisture conditions rated at 97 per cent excellent and sub surface moisture conditions rated at 86 per cent excellent in the North East. The south currently has surface soil moisture conditions rated at 42 per cent good or excellent and 20 per cent of sub surface soil moisture conditions rated as good or excellent.
In the most recent moisture situation update, Ralph Wright with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, explains how September and October have been exceptionally cool months for the province of Alberta. Despite the dryer than normal conditions that many experienced during June, July and August, Alberta is currently back to near normal moisture conditions for the province. However, much of the recent precipitation fell as snow or a rain-show mix. Few, if any, agricultural areas escaped at least some temporary snow cover at one time or another.
Overall, the past two weeks of better weather have been good news for producers. Harvest progress is up, and as of Oct. 16, 47 per of major crops have been harvested. This number is sure to be higher in Alberta Agriculture’s next crop report which would reflect the recent warmer drier weather.
