How to Plant in Dry Conditions

With changing climate patterns, many U.S. regions have experienced prolonged dry periods, which can severely impact crop yields and overall farm productivity. As we head into another planting season, it's crucial to adopt strategies that can help mitigate the effects of dry conditions.

Here are three tips to help you navigate planting if you’re currently experiencing dry conditions, followed by two considerations for proactively planning for warmer, drier weather next year as part of your overall strategy.

3 Strategies for Mitigating the Effects of Dry Conditions

1. Soil Health Management
Regularly test your soil to understand its nutrient and moisture-holding capacity. Managing soil health during drought conditions requires specific strategies to conserve moisture, maintain soil structure, and support plant health.

Balanced Fertilization
Fertilization can help maintain optimal levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply fertilizers based on soil test results to avoid over-application, which can harm soil health and water quality.

Keep in mind that soil pH affects the availability of nutrients to plants and the effectiveness of fertilizers. Managing soil pH through lime or sulfur applications ensures that nutrients are accessible to plants.

Organic Matter

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