Scientists at the University of Illinois say recent rainfall has increased soil moisture significantly in all parts of the state. Jennie Atkins of the Prairie Research Institute at University of Illinois says Illinois received nearly 2 inches of rain from Aug. 11 to 14.
Earlier in the month, the state rainfall total was less than an inch.
Soil moisture levels are important to farmers as they make decisions about crops. The highest increases in soil moisture levels were in southern Illinois, where levels increased an average of 71%.
The Illinois State Water Survey's WARM Program collects hourly and daily weather and soil information at 19 stations. Daily and monthly summaries can be found at the WARM website and in the Illinois Water and Climate Summary.
