The drought monitor as of Tuesday, Jan. 6 indicates a little worsening but not much. Our area, the western two thirds of state, are out of dry conditions. 

The biggest change is drier conditions creeping further westward from the Missouri border.  This report doesn’t include precipitation from the last two days. The six-to ten-day outlook (Jan. 13 to 17) indicates a 50 to 60% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a normal to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Jan. 15 to 21) indicates a near normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.  

Here in this column, we regularly discuss the importance of soil testing. Knowing what the chemical status of the soil is. Knowing what the nutrient status of the soil is. Knowing what you realistic yield goal is and supplying those 17 essential elements (nutrients) in a cost effective and environmentally sound manner. 

Since about 2020, dryland producers in our area dealt with a drought overall worse than the Dust Bowl. 2025 changed that with moderate temperatures and overall good rainfall, even during most of the fall. So, today, what should producers pay attention to heading into the 2026 growing season for winter wheat and our summer crops?

• Hopefully, producers have taken a recent soil test or will soon for everything but nitrogen and sulfur. And if relying on a soil test from a year or so ago, have kept track of yields and can determine nutrient removal. Also, as we go through this, the sandier soils in our area will differ from the heavier soils north of the river. Especially for nitrogen and sulfur. And it’s an excellent idea to have a good handle on the soils organic matter content.

• First the obvious, most summer row crops (corn, soybeans, grain sorghum) yields were good to very good for many. This is especially true compared to the drought years. If only harvesting for grain, much of the potassium, calcium, and magnesium are still there and will be released as crop residue breaks down. However, higher seed yields will remove more phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur. A profile nitrate and sulfate test close to planting is valuable information. Sulfate levels are also quite important for dryland alfalfa producers for optimum yields and protein levels, especially on sandier soils.

• On the plus side, more residue production this year helps add organic matter to the soil, improves soil structure and water holding capacity, and will release nutrients such as potassium and calcium back to the soil.

• Producers should pay particular attention to sulfate and nitrate levels. More was removed last growing season and rainfall, again especially on sandier soils may have leached below the root zone. On the plus side, decent soil moisture and warmer fall/winter temperatures will help release these nutrients from residue and stable organic matter. With fertilizer prices it pays to know what you have available. 

Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.