SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Rainfall has been scarce across Michiana this spring—and as dry weather lingers, concerns are rising for farmers, crops, and even air quality.
According to the latest drought monitor, all of Michiana is currently classified as abnormally dry, with parts of La Porte County slipping into moderate drought. Since April, South Bend has received below-average rainfall, and conditions are unlikely to improve before the end of the month.
Dry soil and minimal rainfall could soon take a toll on crops. Mark Evans, a Plant and Soil Educator with the Purdue Extension Office in Elkhart County, says that although a brief rain event earlier this week helped, it wasn’t enough to turn things around completely.
If the dry spell continues, many farmers may turn to irrigation systems for crops not satisfied by rainfall. Evans says farmers with irrigation infrastructure are ready to activate it, if necessary, especially if temperatures climb into the upper 80s or 90s with low humidity.
But irrigation can only do so much, and farming practices play a large role in how resilient fields are to dry weather.
Evans emphasized the importance of minimizing tillage and utilizing cover crops. These methods allow rainwater to penetrate the soil more effectively, reducing runoff and increasing water absorption and retention.
Cover crops not only aid in retaining moisture, but they also reduce the risk of severe dust storms and haze, which have recently caused problems in parts of Illinois and even here in Michiana. Some dust storms are inevitable, but less tillage and the use of cover crops will help reduce the severity of them in the future.
While recent rain has slowed the progression of drought, the threat isn’t over. Warmer temperatures are expected in the coming days, which could further dry out the soil and worsen drought conditions.
ABC57 News will continue to monitor and provide updates to the drought monitor and what it means for the region’s agriculture and environment.