Persistent drought costs Missouri ag industry
Drought is costing Missouri agriculture significant amounts of money.
Since the 1980s, Missourians have had 16 drought disasters costing $1 billion or more, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the total cost of these disasters is between $10 billion and $20 billion.
Leasor refers to it as “persistent drought,” the kind that doesn’t go away with a couple of good gully washers. It’s the kind of drought that digs down deep in the soil. That is part of why he and other members of the Missouri Climate Center team are installing in-ground moisture sensors at some stations in the Missouri Mesonet, a statewide network of 45 weather stations. The sensors will record soil moisture
at different depths to understand how soil responds to drought or excess moisture.
PHOTO: Little green plant on crack dry ground, concept drought. (Adobe Stock │ #197359617 – sawitreelyaon)
