Farm

Wet soil conditions are causing concern for anhydrous ammonia application this spring, said Fabian Fernandez, University of Illinois Extension specialist in soil fertility and plant nutrition.
Anhydrous ammonia is the most widely used nitrogen fertilizer source in Illinois. In order for this fertilizer to be effective, good soil moisture conditions are necessary, Fernandez said.
Ideal soil conditions are about 15-20 percent moisture. Within these moisture levels, a fine-textured soil, such as silty clay loam, feels slightly moist.

For the second week in a row, cool temperatures, moist conditions and heavy rains have kept seeding and other field activities on hold across the state.
A few areas were able to get out into the field on Sunday evening. The statewide average temperature was 1.2 degrees below normal, at 55.4 degrees.
Average precipitation for the state was 2.34 inches. The norm for the time period is 0.9 inches. Saturated fields and flooding have been a problem at some locations, especially along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.  

Area farmers are feeling the impact of an exceptionally wet spring, This field, located southeast of Vandalia along U.S. Route 51, remains flooded, even though the Kaskaskia River level is finally dropping. The wet conditions are causing farmers to consider switching to late-season corn hybrids, or possibly planting soybeans instead of corn.

Temps down, precip up during February

Last month, statewide temperatures continued to be below normal, while precipitation was above normal throughout the state. Much of the state was hit with heavy snow early in the month, with total snowfall for the month ranging from less than 6 inches to more than 24 inches.

Much of the wheat crop had been blanketed by snow for the first half of the month, and still remains dormant.

February also marked the beginning of calving season for many cattle operations throughout the state.