There are several aspects to the 'Great Plains' of the USA. One is tourism. Click on above title.
The other is commercial. Farming. The drought is monitored. When the latest 'update' was filed the Fall of 2005. The drought hadn't deepened. This is profound problem as it affects the grain production as well as livestock of the Great Plains. The fact that a former governor from Texas whom was elected president continues to refuse to handle Global Warming leading to OBVIOUS "Climate Change" is not only a bit odd, but, criminal in it's negliegence.
One of the things we know about drought stricken land is that IF there is to be irrigation there will be soil erosion.
Fall 2005
The region continues to be in relatively good condition in terms of drought. The latest index (Palmer, 8/6/05) shows medium to severe drought in eastern Texas and Oklahoma, and in eastern and southern Colorado. The remainder of the region ranges from normal to extremely moist. Row-crop condition is generally not as good as last year, but is still above normal. The percent of corn rated between fair and excellent as of August 8 is 85 for KS, 88 for NE, 91 for OK, and 71 for TX. The percent of the soybean crop rated between fair and excellent is 88 for KS, 83 for NE, 94 for OK, and 66 for TX. Percent cotton rated between fair and excellent is 85 for TX, 81 for OK, and 84 for NM.
Preparation for wheat planting is well underway. Growers and their advisors should remember that phosphorus (P) nutrition of wheat is a critical factor in achieving optimal yield. Although only small amounts of P are taken up by wheat early in the season, it nevertheless plays a major role in early plant development and determination of attainable yield potential. During the first few weeks, P supply increases the proliferation of roots as well as the initiation of tillers. An insufficient supply early in the season creates irrecoverable yield losses. Phosphorus shortages later in the season have less impact than those encountered earlier. Although higher soil fertility levels are important for season-long P nutrition, early season P supplies must be accessible to the limited root system of the young wheat plant. For this reason, P placed near the seed at planting (starter P) has proven effective, especially in cold soils. The response of wheat to low rates of starter P is often referred to as the “pop-up effect”, and is marked by improved leaf and root growth, tiller formation, and yield. Some research has indicated that starter P can provide benefits even at higher soil test levels, probably because of its superior positional availability. Bottom line… make sure wheat planted this fall has sufficient available P so that yield potential is not compromised. Also, remember that a well-managed fertility program must consider the complete nutritional needs of wheat.
There is also a discussion about fertilizer prices (Click on here).
This can be a helpful site for that area of the country (Click on here).
