Crops growing slowly, despite irrigation, in northern Illinois
7/6/2023 3:06:28 PM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Plants & Wildlife
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Boone County, IL
Ogle County, IL
Stephenson County, IL
Ridott, IL
Winnebago County, IL
Cherry Valley, IL
Rockford, IL
Start Date: 7/6/2023
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A flower, fruit and vegetable growing couple from Cherry Valley did not sell their produce at the North End Farmers Market because drought left them nothing to sell. Many vendors saw the quality and size of produce diminished by drought, while they also have to spend more to irrigate.
The ground is so dry that the soil seems to soak up the water before the water gets to the plant. Evaporation also pulls the moisture away from the plants, leaving crops growing slower and staying smaller than usual.
Growers noted that their water bills were through the roof as they strove to keep crops alive. One grower said that her onions were about half their normal size, despite the irrigation, and were growing slowly, putting her behind in planting fall crops.
Rockford Register Star (Ill.), July 6, 2023
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