Field conditions and soil temperatures were observed across several northeastern NNY locations on Friday, April 3, 2020. Soil moisture was fairly wet due to recent rains, but very little standing water was noticed. From 0.75″ to 2″ of rain has fallen across this area since about March 30th. Grass and mixed alfalfa-grass hay fields generally had not begun to ‘green up’ yet though a couple of winter cereal fields where quite green. Soil temperatures revealed the reason. Perennial forage fields in 7 locations were observed and soil temperatures were measured at approximately a 4″ depth. Results are listed in the table below.
Forage grasses and small grains begin to be active after a few days of temperatures above 41 degrees F though there is undoubtedly some species and varietal variation. High ambient temperatures and sunshine this week should help to raise soil temps above threshold and wake up a few forage and grain fields across the region.
