Page 14 2024 Logan County Spring Farm Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2024 This winter season's very strong El Nino appears to have followed the typical El Nino temperature pattern of warmer than normal conditions, as Lincoln was 5 degrees above normal for the months of December to February. Precipitation, however, did not follow the El Nino pattern, as the winter months had slightly above normal precipitation due to a much above normal January and a slightly above normal December. Despite above normal precipitation, Logan County ended up with below normal snowfall, by about 6 inches. The lack of a frost depth for any length of time allowed the precipitation this winter to filter into the ground, helping to improve our drought conditions across the area through December and January. We ended the winter with February drier than normal, so we did see a slight return to abnormally dry conditions in Logan County according to the U.S. drought monitor. Where we are now: The El Nino is weakening and shifting toward ENSO Neutral conditions. We will likely see a shift toward La Nina conditions by June-JulyAugust time frame, and remain La Nina into next Winter. Impacts on Agriculture: Since the ENSO trends are moving toward La Niña conditions this summer, that would tend to influence the weather across central Illinois towards warmer and drier conditions. That could pose challenges for farmers, especially during critical growth stages. Reduced precipitation can lead to soil moisture deficits, affecting crop germination, development, and yields. Additionally, the elevated risk of heat stress during La Niña summers can further impact crop productivity, particularly for heatsensitive crops like corn and soybeans. To counteract that potential trend, farmers can employ strategies such as implementing drought-resistant crop varieties, optimizing irrigation practices, and diversifying crop portfolios to mitigate risks associated with varying precipitation patterns. Looking ahead: The current monthly and seasonal outlooks from the Continued --
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