Soil moisture

Soil moisture levels recover in many areas

During March, soil moisture levels in central and eastern parts of the North Island, in the north and east of the South Island, and in much of Otago recovered to normal or above normal conditions. Most recovery occurred late in the month. Northland soils remained relatively dry during the month.

 

Soil moisture deficit in the pasture root zone at the end of March (right) compared with the deficit at the same time last year (centre) and the long-term end of March average (left). The analysis is done for an average soil type where the available water capacity is taken to be 150 mm.