Since this series deals with water, it’s appropriate to briefly discuss this winter’s weather. Soil in the area is wet, quite wet and as this is being written, another winter storm is on the way. Many soils are saturated and there are areas on standing water. What does this mean for wheat in the ground? On the plus side, unless the weather turns off exceptionally hot and dry, there should be adequate moisture for a wheat crop. Are there concerns with standing water and saturated soils? While not ideal, the damage should be minimal if standing water infiltrates into the soil before temperatures warm and wheat resumes growth. There are two problems with standing water. The first is the loss of nitrogen from the soil. The second is a lack of oxygen necessary for root cells to respire and function properly. Cold weather minimizes that need since plants aren’t trying to grow. Time will tell how much damage may have been done. Last week we discussed were the water use comes from – the surface and groundwater we use. Today, were does that water come from?