Soil moisture status is quite variable across the region, depicting the variable rainfall that was observed during the summer and fall months. Subsoil moisture status ranges from a low of 0.7 inches (6% capacity) plant available water (PAW) under an alfalfa field in Monona County to 9.8 inches PAW (78% capacity) under a soybean field in Sac County. Most fields are in far better shape this sampling period compared to samples taken the last two falls. Generally, subsoil moisture status improves as you move north and east from Monona County.

Areas in Monona, Ida, Carroll and Crawford counties still require much needed rainfall to bring the soil profile up to Capacity. The five-foot soil profile ranges from 15% to 50% of capacity for PAW in these counties. Soil moisture reserves are by far the best in Sac and Pocahontas counties where the sample locations ranged from 50% to 80% of total potential PAW. All locations need to recharge soil moisture levels at the soil depth of 3 to 5 feet.