Agricultural moisture situation changed with significant rainfall in south

Since the last report issued on July 13, 2022, temperatures have generally remained above normal for this time of year, helping to advance crops following a prolonged, cold start to the growing season.

Over the past two weeks, precipitation has been highly variable , ranging from more than 80 mm across parts of the Southern Region to less than 3 mm across parts of the North West, North East and the southern portions of the Peace Region. Notably, the dry parts of the Special Areas received 20 to 50 mm while, in contrast, the dry areas of the south-central Peace Region received less than 5mm.

Ample moisture on the surface along with favorable atmospheric conditions has fueled at times very intense thunderstorm activity, along with handful of tornado sightings and some reports of very large and damaging hail storms. As such, some local areas may not be well represented on these maps and in the following narrative. Undoubtedly, the full spectrum of moisture conditions does exist on a field by field basis, ranging very dry to very wet.

30-day precipitation patterns

Over the past 30 days, precipitation patterns have shifted from above normal to below normal across most areas of the province lying north of the Yellowhead Highway. Across parts of the southern Peace Region some areas are experiencing at least once in 12 year lows, following an effective buildup of moisture over winter and through the month of April. For some lands through the central Peace Region generally dry conditions have persisted since early May. However, for the entire Peace Region the last crop report issued on July 12, 2022 estimates that 78.1% of crops are in good to excellent condition, well above the 5 and 10- year averages of 57.3% and 62.5%, respectively.

Elsewhere, parts of the North East Region are beginning to dry out, but this has followed a generous supply of moisture through the month of June. This week’s crop report, which is due to be released on Friday July 29th, should help to put crop health in perspective relative to this season’s variable weather patterns.

Soil Moisture Reserves

Currently, soil moisture reserves are generally at least near normal across most of the province lying south of the Yellowhead Highway and throughout the north-half of the Peace Region. Soil moisture reserves are drawing down through the North East with a few pockets in the one in 12 to 25 year low category.

Current soil moisture levels estimated for a typical spring wheat crop help to illustrate actual reserves in the ground to date. Areas on this map that have less than 20 mm of moisture are in need of moisture very soon if current yield potential is to be maintained. Large parts of the easternhalf of the province have less than 40 mm of moisture remaining in the soil which will be used up quickly and moisture in these areas would certainly be welcome within the next 7- days or so. Perspective

Overall, the growing season thus far has been a pleasant surprise for most producers, following the hardships of 2021. Areas that were dry, tend to have received just enough moisture, at the right time and in the right amounts, to keep plants from developing severe moisture stress.

On the other hand, areas that were too wet, have tended to dry out in recent weeks. In addition, a cool start to the growing season slowed plant growth, but recent warmer weather has helped to speed things along as August quickly sneaks up on us all.

So far the absence of prolonged and extreme heat has also helped prevent serious heat and moisture stress to crops. Looking forward, moderate amounts of moisture through the first-half of August (25 to 50 mm) will be ideal along with near normal to above average temperatures. Hopefully September and early October will be dry to near normal and hard frosts will hold off until mid to late September.