It wasn’t long ago that the province was bracing for major drought. What a difference a few weeks can make.
According to the latest provincial crop report, crop conditions across the province are showing positive trends, with ratings of good to excellent now standing at 2 per cent above the 5-year average, marking a 2 per cent improvement since last week. Here’s a closer look at how different regions are faring:
- South Region: Crop conditions improved by 2 per cent, bringing the total to 74 per cent good to excellent.
- Central Region: A similar 2 per cent increase was noted, with conditions now at 79 per cent good to excellent.
- Peace Region: This region saw the most significant improvement, with a 4 per cent increase bringing the total to 80 per cent good to excellent.
- North West Region: Conditions improved by 8 per cent, now standing at 69 per cent good to excellent.
- North East Region: The only region to see a slight decrease, with a 1 per cent drop to 69 per cent good to excellent.
Provincially, major crops such as spring wheat, barley, and oats are progressing well, aligning with the provincial average at the early stages of stem elongation.
Precipitation and Weather Impact
The past week saw variable precipitation, primarily due to thunderstorm activity. The Peace Region experienced significant rainfall, receiving between 10-50 mm, with some areas in the east-central Peace Region getting well over 50 mm. In contrast, central parts of the North West Region, western and southeastern parts of the Central Region, and much of the Southern Region received less than 1 mm of rain. The forecasted rains are expected to benefit these drier regions.
Surface and Sub-Surface Soil Moisture
Surface soil moisture decreased across the province this week, attributed to warmer temperatures and windy conditions, especially in the southern half. Although beneficial for crop development, many areas could still use more rain. Provincially, surface soil moisture declined by 10 per cent to 66 per cent good to excellent. Here’s a regional breakdown:
South Region: A decline of 13 per cent to 53 per cent good to excellent.
Central Region: A significant drop of 20 per cent to 60 per cent good to excellent.
North East Region: A slight decline of 2 per cent to 84 per cent good to excellent.
North West Region: A 4 per cent decline to 77 per cent good to excellent.
Peace Region: An improvement of 8 per cent to 81 per cent good to excellent.
Sub-surface soil moisture also saw a decline provincially, particularly in the North East and Central Regions. Conditions remained stable in the South and North West, with an increase in the Peace Region. As plants approach their reproductive stage, water needs will rise, making sub-surface soil moisture crucial in the coming weeks. Currently, sub-surface soil moisture conditions are as follows:
- Provincially: 54 per cent good to excellent, below the 5-year average of 60 per cent.
- South Region: 51 per cent good to excellent, above the 5-year average of 41 per cent.
- Central Region: 29 per cent good to excellent, significantly below the 5-year average of 64 per cent.
- North East Region: 68 per cent good to excellent, slightly below the 5-year average of 74 per cent.
- North West Region: 70 per cent good to excellent, near the 5-year average of 72 per cent.
- Peace Region: 85 per cent good to excellent, well above the 5-year average of 70 per cent.
Overall, crop conditions in the province are favorable, though variability in precipitation and soil moisture highlights the need for careful monitoring and potential irrigation in drier regions. As the growing season progresses, maintaining adequate soil moisture will be essential to support crop development and ensure a robust harvest.
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