Northwest Iowa Crops Page
by Todd Vagts
ISU Extension Crops Specialist
Counties Served:  Carroll, Calhoun, Crawford, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas and Sac.

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Fall 2002 Subsoil Moisture Survey Results

• Counties:  Carroll, Calhoun, Sac, Crawford, Monona, Pocahontas and Ida
• Date Sampled:  Oct 25 - Nov 1, 2002

The ISU Extension Fall 2002 subsoil moisture survey has been completed for Carroll, Calhoun, Crawford, Monona, Ida, Sac and Pocahontas counties.  Results form this fall’s sampling indicate that west-central IA is going into the winter season in much better (moisture) condition than normal.  

Most sampling areas have an equal or greater amount of plant available water in the top 60-inch soil profile compared to last spring’s samples, a result of very plentiful fall rains across the region.  When compared to the average fall moisture levels (1999 – 2002), the fall 2002 sub-soil moisture condition is about 150% of the 4-year average, with a range of 99% (soybean field near Dow City) to 204% (soybean field near Holstein).  On average across sampling locations, this is by far the best fall soil moisture condition the area has been in for the last several years. 

Carroll, Calhoun, Sac, Ida and Pocahontas counties have very good soil moisture profiles, averaging 9.6 inches of plant available water in the top 60-inches, 0.4 inches more than last spring and 2.7 inches more than last fall.  Carroll and Sac counties have the best sub-soil moisture profile with their PAW capacities filled to 93% and 89% respectively .  On the other hand, Monona and Crawford counties need substantial spring rains to replenish the soil moisture profile.  These 2 counties have an average of 4.8 inches (PAW), which is 41% of the soils holding capacity.  The soil profile in the driest counties needs to be recharged in the 36 – 60 inch depth level.