Showers improve topsoil moisture in Georgia
Dec 6, 2007 9:45 AM
Most of the state received much-needed rain during the week ending Dec. 2, according to the USDA, NASS, Georgia Field Office. Average rainfall for the week was 0.62 inches.
Average high temperatures were in the 60s to low 70s. Average lows ranged from the mid-30s to the lower 50s.
Soil moisture conditions were rated at 29 percent very short, 43 percent short, 27 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
Recent rains have improved topsoil moisture, as well as some crop and pasture conditions. Farmers hope the rain will help small grains and winter grazing get better established before winter weather arrives.
Still, subsoil moisture is not adequate and above average rainfall will be needed this winter and spring to prevent the drought from extending into the next planting season.
Growers were irrigating vegetables, small grains, and winter grazing where possible.
Small grains planting was nearing completion.
Other activities included feeding hay to livestock, mowing cotton stalks, spreading poultry litter, and harvesting pecans.
County Extension agents reported an average of 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork.
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