As Ohio enters the 2025 planting season, farmers are facing unusually wet conditions that could have a lasting impact on soil health and crop performance. According to Vinayak Shedekar, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Water Management at The Ohio State University, the state could receive up to four inches of rain by early April—matching the monthly average in just one week.

In a recent article published by Ohio's Country Journal & Ohio Ag Net, Shedekar outlines key strategies for managing spring and summer drainage, especially in areas still recovering from the 2024 drought. Northwest Ohio's soil is already oversaturated, causing increased subsurface drainage and runoff. Newly installed drainage systems may appear overwhelmed, but Shedekar explains that this is typical as disturbed soil begins to settle. He advises growers to keep drainage outlets clear and watch for erosion around tile outlets.

For farms using controlled drainage systems, timely inspection and adjustment of control structures are essential. Shedekar recommends transitioning to free drainage mode two to three weeks before planting to prevent delays caused by wet fields. He also emphasizes clearing any sediment or debris from outlet structures and adjusting water tables depending on field conditions and the presence of cover crops.

Looking ahead to the summer months, Shedekar notes that forecasts suggest warmer-than-average temperatures could lead to drier conditions later in the season. To help crops cope with potential moisture stress, farmers may consider retaining water using controlled drainage systems towards the end of June or early July. Adding stoplogs to raise the water table slightly could provide critical moisture during the reproductive stages of corn and soybean crops.

Shedekar also encourages producers to attend the upcoming Soil Health and Water Management Field Day, scheduled for August 28, 2025, at OSU Lima. The event will feature expert presentations, a farmer panel, and hands-on demonstrations focused on cover crops, soil health, water management, and farm economics.

Visit Ohio's Country Journal & Ohio Ag Net to see to complete article.

Image from Ohio's Country Journal & Ohio Ag Net article.