The rain in the last week has been most welcomed, however the drought is still with us. According to Bryce Anderson, a meteoroligist for the agricultural industry, we can expect another summer of drought conditions.
His explanation for this prediction is the dominant Atlantic Ridge, a large looming area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere, which has made camp over the south since spring 2007. Call it a ridge, but it is like a WALL blocking storm cells that try to make their way across the south. This is the reason last year was the driest year in more than 50 years! Anderson expects the Atlantic Ridge to stayed camped over our area most of this year.
So what can you do to prepare for another summer of little rain? Keep conserving water! Mulch, mulch, mulch. The ground can heat up to 120 degrees with no mulch. Yes, your plants will die at 120 degrees. Mulch will keep the temperatures down in the 80's and 90's and retain the moisture.
Quit using herbicides and chemical fertilizers. They kill earthworms. What do earthworms have to do with the drought?
"An often ignored factor in soil water infiltration is the contribution made by earthworm channels. In soils with high earthworm populations, 30 to 50 nearly penicl sized vertical tunnels per square yard are common. Gently sloping land can absorb a 4 inch rainfall in two hours with virtually no runoff when abundant earthworm populations are present. "(Adapted from Attra's agronomy techincal note ' Drought Resistant Soil' by Preston Sullivan) Water that doesn't run off is water stored in your soil!
If you are hoping to add trees and shrubs to your landscaping, wait until fall. They do better planted in fall in our region anyway. This year it may critical to wait.
I know, easy to say. Hard to stick to when everything looks so appealing at the nursery! Be strong. :)
