AB agricultural moisture situation update from June 7

For the north central parts of the Peace Region that are struggling with excess moisture this was good fortune. However a lack of recent moisture through the North East Region and eastern portions of the Central Region are beginning to be of concern.

Growing season precipitation as of June 7 2022

Considerable moisture deficits still exist across the extreme south-western portions of the Southern Region, the Special Areas and through parts of the North East. The recent rains

(Map 2) complicate the interpretation of Map 3. However suffice it to say, most of the dry areas depicted on Map 3 will benefit from further rains soon.

Since April 1, many widely scattered areas of the Province have received less than 40 mm of moisture (Map 4). These lands currently have little capacity to resist short term dry spells and rain is needed now.

Soil Moisture Reserves Relative to Normal

Throughout most of the province’s agricultural areas that lie south of the Swan Hills, soil moisture reserves are well below normal for this time of year (Map 5). Lingering pockets of one in 50-year lows exist through the Bonneville area, along with parts of Yellowhead County and the Special Areas, with a few stations recording less than 30 mm since April 1 (Map 4).

Perspective

As crops begin to grow moisture demand will increase. As a general rule, at their peak crops need about 25 mm of water per week for optimum growth along with warm temperatures to speed maturity ahead of fall frosts. With low soil moisture reserves lingering across many areas, well timed, near normal moisture will be needed over the coming weeks. However it’s only early June and weather patterns currently appear favorable for moisture, albeit with temperatures remaining on the cool side of normal. As such, there is yet plenty of time to receive adequate moisture which brings with it the hope of healthy yields this fall.