Rain helps soil conditions in Sask., but some flooding also reported

Recent rains have increased topsoil moisture conditions for Saskatchewan farmers, but some areas got too much precipitation.

In its weekly crop report, the Ministry of Agriculture said cropland topsoil moisture now is rated two per cent surplus and 72 per cent adequate, up from last week’s figures of zero per cent and 56 per cent, respectively.

Similar increases occurred in hay and pasture land topsoil moisture levels, which went from zero per cent surplus and 35 per cent adequate last week to one per cent surplus and 61 per cent adequate this week.

However, the heavy rains some areas received resulted in some flooding and water pooling in low areas. Strong winds also damaged crops, buildings and bins.

An area northeast of Old Wives Lake got the most rain in one shower — about 208 millimetres over the course of a few hours. Big Beaver (127 mm), Frobisher (111 mm) and Moosomin (110 mm) also received significant amounts of precipitation.

While some areas got rain, others didn’t get enough. As a result, dry soil conditions caused damage in some regions.

“In general, emergence of earlier seeded crops is good, but the lack of moisture and wind in some fields has reduced germination of canola and has resulted in spotty emergence,” the ministry said. “Areas where germination was very poor might be reseeded if conditions allow, now that soil moisture is ample.”

According to the report, 78 per cent of pulse crops, 76 per cent of spring cereals, 70 per cent of fall cereals and 66 per cent of oilseed crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year.

Producers have been spraying for weed and insect control as the wind and crop stages have allowed. Some farmers also are reseeding due to dry conditions and insect damage, specifically in canola fields.