By Andi Anderson
A new website called the Soil Temperature Climatology Tool is now available to help Indiana farmers and agronomists make decisions about crop planting, nutrient application, and other agricultural activities. The tool provides historical soil temperature data for the past 30 years, allowing users to see when certain temperatures have been reached or exceeded in the past. This information can be used to plan for future activities and to avoid potential problems.
The tool was developed by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center and the USDA Midwest Climate Hub. It is free to use and can be accessed at the MRCC website.
The Soil Temperature Climatology Tool can be used to answer a variety of questions, such as:
- When can I expect my soil to warm up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring?
- When will my soil cool down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the fall?
- What is the earliest date that my soil has reached 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring?
- What is the latest date that my soil has reached 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring?
- What is the typical window of time when my soil is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring?
This information can be used to make informed decisions about crop planting, nutrient application, and other agricultural activities. For example, farmers can use the tool to determine when it is safe to plant certain crops or to apply certain nutrients. The tool can also be used to help farmers avoid planting crops too early or too late, which can lead to reduced yields.
The Soil Temperature Climatology Tool is a valuable resource for Indiana farmers and agronomists. It can help farmers make better decisions about their crops and improve their overall profitability.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Indiana, Crops