Surplus Moisture Hinders Planting
Published: Friday, April 26, 2024
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending April 21.
Fieldwork resumed in a limited capacity last week due to high soil moisture levels from previous weeks' rain.
Topsoil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 96% rated adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 58.4 degrees F, 4.9 degrees above normal.
The statewide average precipitation was .81 inches, .14 inches below normal.
There were 2.9 days suitable for fieldwork.
Though precipitation returned to normal levels last week, little planting occurred as most fields remained too wet.
Corn and soybean plantings were behind the five-year average. Both crops ended the week at 2% planted.
Winter wheat crop conditions improved from last week, with 77% of the crop rated good to excellent.
Winter wheat progress has been bolstered by the ample rainfall and warm temperatures, remaining ahead of the five-year average.
Livestock were reported in good condition.
Frost events potentially affecting fruit tree blossoms remained a concern.
Other activities for the week included herbicide and fungicide applications, anhydrous ammonia application and tillage.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 0%; short, 4%; adequate, 61%; surplus, 35%.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 2%; short, 9%; adequate, 67%; surplus, 22%.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2023 and five-year average) showed: corn planted, 2, 1, 7, 5; soybeans planted, 2, 0, 6, 3; winter wheat jointing, 43, 25, 49, 39.
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