Dry spell limiting growth in parts of Ireland

The ongoing dry spell is beginning to limit growth in well-drained soils across Ireland.

According to Met Éireann‘s latest farming forecast, soil moisture deficits (SMDs)* currently range from 18 to 25 mm in well and moderately drained soils, and from 11 to 21 mm in poorly drained soils.

With settled weather and favourable drying conditions expected to continue over the coming week, soil moisture levels will decline further, and SMDs will increase steadily each day. By next week, SMDs across all soil types are forecast to rise to between 25 and 40 mm, resulting in growth restrictions across all areas.

Most parts of Ireland will remain dry throughout the week, with only trace amounts of rainfall expected elsewhere. This prolonged dry period is being sustained by high pressure positioned near or over the country.

Looking further ahead, some long-range models suggest a moderate chance of showers or more prolonged rainfall early next week.

*Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD) is the amount of rain needed to bring the soil moisture content back to field capacity.