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Soil Quality Analysis and Trends at a Regional Scale | |
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| | This study was undertaken to develop an appropriate methodology to assess the sustainability of present soil management practices at a broad, regional level. It involved the extrapolation or scaling of soils information and model inputs and outputs from farm level to an Ecodistrict level with units larger than 1:100 000 ha. The Land Suitability Rating System was used to estimate soil quality and the EPIC model was used to predict trends. Key inputs were the Soil Landscapes of Canada data and the Census of Agriculture data analyzed by defined cropping systems. The results suggest that the majority of soil-climate-crop combinations are being managed in a sustainable manner. Exceptions are the dry Prairie Ecoregion and specific combinations such as sandy and hilly areas, which are particularly susceptible to erosion. The procedure, based on available data, has application for any broad assessment of present soil quality, targeting potentially unsustainable situations and for predicting the impact of crop / management options on soil quality at a regional level.
Executive Summary
Introduction
- Background
- Objectives
- Orientation
Methods and Materials
- General Approach
- Pilot Areas
- Soil-Landform (SL) Units
- EPIC Analysis
- Land Suitability (LSRS) Analysis
Results and Discussions
- Soil Landform (SL)
- Crop Rotation (CR)
- Tillage Intensity (TI)
- Climate (Soil zone, Ecoregion)
- Area - Weighted Means
- Ecodistrict (regional) Representation
- Strengths and Limitations of the Process and Tools
Conclusions
References
This information is provided by W.W. Pettapiece, K.L. Haugen-Kozyra and L.D. Watson. |
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Other Documents in the Series |
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Soil Quality Analysis and Trends at a Regional Scale - Current Document
Soil Quality Analysis and Trends at a Regional Scale: Executive Summary
Soil Quality Analysis and Trends at a Regional Scale: Introduction
Soil Quality Analysis and Trends at a Regional Scale: Methods and Materials
Soil Quality Analysis and Trends at a Regional Scale: Results and Discussions
Soil Quality Analysis and Trends at a Regional Scale: Conclusions
Soil Quality Analysis and Trends at a Regional Scale: References
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Len Kryzanowski.
This document is maintained by Laura Thygesen.
This information published to the web on April 15, 1998.
Last Reviewed/Revised on October 1, 2014.
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