New Tool Tracks Midwest Soil Temps
ARS scientists have developed a novel tool that uses data visualization, which is a graphical representation of information and data, to show soil temperature trends and help farmers and ag advisors in the Midwest with planning and decision-making when planting crops and applying fertilizers.
Understanding soil temperatures are important in agriculture because specific temperatures, such as 50 °F, are crucial for various aspects of agricultural production, including crop germination and nutrient application. Although local and state-level soil temperature data are accessible from state networks, there was no tool that summarized critical soil temperatures in the Midwestern region over time. ARS scientists from Ames, IA, have collaborated with research partners to create a pioneering tool designed for Midwest farmers and ag advisers. This tool allows users to visualize, explore, and analyze soil temperature data regionally over time. It displays the days of the year when average soil temperatures rise above 50 °F in the spring and fall below 50 °F in the fall. This information helps farmers, extension agents, and agricultural advisors determine optimal planting times and fertilizer application windows, enabling them to make more informed decisions throughout the agricultural season.
