Rain and Snow in North Dakota Replenishes Soil Moisture

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Moisture ranging from half an inch to 4 inches over the past week has helped replenish soil moisture across North Dakota.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop progress report that both topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies are rated only 19 percent short or very short, compared to 39 percent the previous week for topsoil and 33 percent for subsoil.

Stock water supplies statewide are rated 91 percent adequate to surplus.

The rain and snow did slow crop planting, however, and the report says there are concerns in some areas that crops might have be replanted due to excess moisture.

Eighty-two percent of North Dakota's staple spring wheat crop is in the ground. Sugar beet planting has wrapped up, and the seeding of potatoes is nearing the halfway mark.