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Drought map

Drought map

Here is a young field of corn in June. Although at first glance this field looks green and vibrant, take a close look at the ground. What do you see? Lots of exposed dirt, incapable of retaining moisture as a hot season progresses. In order to plant the corn, farmers spray the earth with herbicide, killing off competing vegetation. As long as it doesn't get too hot, and rains fall, everything is okay. When drought hits, however, this exposed ground cooks as hard as a brick.