Observed Percentage of Soil Water Content

This product shows the observed percentage of available water in the top (e.g., 1 meter or about 39 inches) of the soil column in various locations. Because the automated weather stations are in the natural (non-irrigated) environment these observations are generally more relevant for decisions concerning rain fed crop fields. For example, during times of drought, cattle producers may elect to rent pastures to provide grazing land for their herds. Areas with higher soil water content are usually associated with more grass growth. For irrigated fields, the observed soil water may be relevant to decisions made at the first irrigation (e.g., when to first irrigate) because at that point the irrigated and dry land fields should have similar soil water profiles. Once irrigation has begun the soil water in the irrigated field will be affected by irrigation and will depart from natural conditions. At that time, these observations can only provide a contextual reference amount for soil water.

For more information about how to access this product, how the product might be used in various specific farming decisions, or for more detailed information about the product itself, explore the links above.