Many media stories this week were based on the fact that Minnesota recorded one of its driest Augusts (and even July and August combined), as well as one of its warmest Augusts. The combination produced many detrimental effects.....and a few positive ones....

We have all heard how dry the soils are around the state, but how about some actual data.....

The University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Center at Lamberton (Redwood County) has been keeping soil moisture data since 1960. The recent September 1st measurement shows
a value of only 1.66 inches of water in the top 5 feet of soil. This is the lowest value measured for this time of year since 1988 (1.54 inches back then). There have been six other years when the September soil moisture values have been this low or lower (1967, 1973-1976, 1988) at Lamberton.

In addition, soil moisture measurements made at the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center at Waseca, show totals of less than 5 inches in the top 5 feet, with
nearly all of the moisture in the 4th and 5th foot below the surface. This is remarkably low as well, though not a record for their measurements.

Estimated soil moisture values in the 5 foot profile from the Midwest Climate Center for September 4th range from an average of 1.5 inches in western Minnesota counties to an average of 2.2 inches in south-central and southeaster counties. These, too are the lowest values for this time of year since 1988.

Previous experience with low soil moisture values in early September suggests that the soils will likely gain significant recharge from precipitation this fall, at least up until soil freeze up. Historical measurements of moisture recharge in the fall show a range in storage efficiency (increased in stored soil moisture divided by total precipitation) of 60 to 80 percent through November. This means that with normal fall precipitation for the three months of September through November (5 to 7 inches) a net gain of 3 to 5 inches in soil moisture storage may be realized.