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April 18, 2002
The graphic below illustrates the widespread rainfall that fell in the Po River Valley from April 1st through the 16th. This timely rainfall boosted soil moisture levels from previously low levels. Click on the following links to view graphs of soil moisture, precipitation events, and cumulative precipitation since January 1, 2002. The recent rainfall has most likely slowed field work for the current season, but the improved soil moisture will create favorable conditions for seeds once they are in the ground. Italy is the EU's largest producer of soybeans and rice, and the second largest producer of corn. These crops are produced primarily in the irrigated Po River Valley.
For more information, contact Jim Tringe of
the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division
at 202-720-0882
or by e-mail at james.tringe@fas.usda.gov.
