By Maggie Lawrence
Despite several inches of rain, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that Alabama is still experiencing a drought. More than 66 percent of the state is suffering under extreme or exceptional drought, the two most severe categories.
With deficits ranging from 12 to 20 inches for the year, late November and early December rains did little to alleviate long-term dryness.
Dr. Eve Brantley, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System water resource specialist, says the rains were helpful but not enough.
“Two to 3 inches will temporarily increase soil moisture, but it is unlikely to be enough to replenish shallow subsurface water levels,” said Brantley.
Alabama Extension has launched AlabamaDrought.com to help people develop strategies to battle the ongoing drought.
“AlabamaDrought.com is a comprehensive resource for the state’s residents,” said Dr. Gary Lemme, Alabama Extension director. “It addresses the needs of farmers and producers as well as homeowners.”
AlabamaDrought.com features research-based information in a variety of categories.
- Livestock & Feed
- Crops
- Gardens & Landscape
- Families
- Farm Finance
- Wildlife
- Water
- Weather
Additionally, he says people should subscribe to AlabamaDrought.com so they can receive notification when new information is added. Readers should scroll down to see the subscribe option on their phones and tablets. On a desktop computer, the subscribe field is in the right sidebar.
“We encourage everyone to make use of AlabamaDrought.com,” he said. “Use the information, tips and strategies you find there so you can be good stewards of our state’s water resources.”
Source: aces.edu