By Clint Thompson
Rainfall accumulation was minimal during the fall season for specialty crop producers in North Alabama. It is starting to improve, however, according to Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama.
“We’ve got about 2 ½ inches over the last three weeks or so. I would say it’s brought pond levels up, maybe three or four inches,” Schavey said. “We’re still three feet away from where we need to be. As far as ground saturation, it’s doing really good.”
Despite the improved rainfall in recent weeks, North Alabama is still experiencing dry conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The area is still covered in abnormally dry and moderately dry conditions.
Rainfall this winter is important for growers who require adequate soil moisture heading into next spring’s growing season.
“Let’s get it now, and I want to be able to have some moisture in January and February when I can start making beds getting to March. We’re doing really well on soil moisture right now,” Schavey said.