Here in Central Ontario we are experiencing one of the worst droughts we have seen in years.  We have received less than half our average rainfall.  Some areas have received no rain in July and so far no rain in August.  On the lighter and shallower soils, there is corn and soybeans that are dying.

Some fields on deep clay are still doing remarkably well so far for the amount of rainfall we have received.  I have been asked the same question a couple of times in the last few days: “Where is the moisture to sustain these crops coming from?”  The common answer to this is quite simple.  Clay soils have tremendous water holding capacity; the water will “wick” up and we have been dry for a long time so the roots are deep.

There is an interesting design feature about the corn plan that helps with moisture management by the plant.  The leaves tip upwards and any moisture, rain or heavy dew, runs down the leaves and down the stalk to the base of the plant. The roots are able to pick up any little bit of moisture that might be available.

I was able to witness this phenomenon on an early morning walk through a corn field on a particularly “dewy” morning. (See the attached picture) Interesting!

-Brad K