The Dothan Eagle reports on areas of southeast Alabama that have potential drought concerns.

The U.S. Drought Monitor lists southeast Alabama as “abnormally dry” for this time of year, one degree short of what the monitor calls “moderate” drought conditions. That means farmers have a significant need for one more good rain event in order to moisten the top soil for the planting of peanuts and cotton.

“The topsoil is drying out very quickly,” said William Birdsong, agronomist at the Wiregrass Regional Research and Extension Center in Headland. “I wouldn’t say we’re in any critical phase at this point in time, but we are very well aware of the soil moisture depletion.”