The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Chouteau County is in Excellent Condition for Soil Moisture

The Chouteau County Soil Moisture Survey was started by Judee Wargo in 1993 to assist farmers with determining recropping potential on cereal grain stubble. After 24 years, the Chouteau County Extension Office continues to compile data for determining recropping potential and providing the state drought committee with soil moisture information.

Testing for soil moisture took place in Chouteau County on March 23th for locations south of the Missouri River and March 24th for locations north of the Missouri river. All winter wheat and fallow locations exceeded 3.5 feet of stored soil moisture, which is equivalent to approximately 5.25 inches of available water in a sandy loam soil. A medium textured soil like a silt loam would have approximately 7 inches of available water. A moderately fine soil like sandy clay loam would have almost 8 inches of available water, and a fine textured soil like sandy clay would have 7 inches of available water in the soil. A winter wheat crop in medium textured soils and favorable weather conditions will require only two inches of growing season precipitation to yield a 42 bushel crop.

All stubble plots have excellent recropping potential except for two plots north and northwest of Carter. Both plots scored in the fair range. Soil with excellent recropping potential under favorable conditions will require only four inches of growing season precipitation for 25-37 bushel per acre spring wheat crop. Under the same conditions, barley will require four inches of growing season precipitation for a 33-54 bushel per acre crop.

Hard copies of the 2017 Soil moisture survey are available at the Chouteau County Extension Office, or can be e-mailed upon request.

Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.