While it's hard to predict if the drought will continue this year, one expert says the probability is very high that grain production in Nebraska and nationwide will be below normal.
While it's hard to predict if the drought will continue this year, one expert says the probability is very high that grain production in Nebraska and nationwide will be below normal. Climatologist Elwynn Taylor says 2012 saw one of the worst droughts in history and the effects usually linger into the following growing season.
Climatologist Elwynn Taylor "second year"
One report indicated it would take eight feet of snow this winter to make up for the precipitation we lacked last year.
Even with normal rainfall during this year's growing season, climatologist Elwynn Taylor says the odds favor below-average yields because soil moisture levels are well below-average.
Taylor "average yields"
Taylor says the subsoil has been depleted beyond five feet in much of the corn belt. He says it will take at least 10 inches of rain just to recharge the soil profile which is difficult in the winter months.
(image courtesy of stock.xchng)
(courtesy of Nebraska Radio Network)
