Despite several inches of rain, North Dakota State Climatologist Daryl Ritchison says previously dry soils have been able to absorb much of the moisture. Ritchison says NDAWN stations indicate the moisture is penetrating deeply into the soil profile. “The ground was so dry that things are getting down through the soil very, very quickly.” The challenge is the Red River Valley’s heavy clay soil. He says fields with less clay will be the first to become harvestable.


