THE ROLE OF SOILS AND CLIMATE FARMLAND LOCATION: THE ROLE OF SOILS AND CLIMATE

Four factors determine the location of Canada’s farmlands Climate system Soil system Biological system Topographical system

CLIMATE: Important climate factors influencing location of farmland: Amount and distribution of precipitation most crops in Canada need a minimum of 400mm of precipitation yearly areas of <400mm of precip land is more suited to grazing than growing crops irrigation can be used in these areas (if enough water is available from rivers or lakes) to grow crops

CLIMATE: Growing Season Growing season = the number of days in the year with an average temperature over 6C (at this temp plants begin to grow) certain crops can only be grown in regions where the growing season is long enough (i.e. growing season for wheat in the prairies is <100 days, whereas soybeans or corn require >150 days = no corn or soybeans in the prairies)

CLIMATE: Growing Degree-Days (GDD) are calculated when the average daily temp rises above 6C One degree day is counted for each degree over 6C (i.e. a day with a temperature of 16C is counted as 10 degree days; 16 – 6 = 10) Figure 24-2 (pg 293) in the text shows a thematic map of the degree days in Canada

SOILS: Complex substance formed of minerals, water, air, and humus (decaying organic matter) Humus is the most important factor in soil fertility Amount is determined by the amount of moisture and plant growth

SOILS: There are 2 major groups of agricultural soils in Canada which include: Forest soils – if formed under deciduous or mixed forests it is more fertile than if formed under coniferous forests. Grassland soils – are of a higher natural fertility than forest soils.

Biology: Some organisms are very beneficial to farming: Earthworms – improve air movement through soil Bees for pollination Other organisms are harmful and destructive: Weeds Pests

Topography: Level, well-drained land is generally best for farming Fertile valleys (Annapolis Valley in NS) and deltas (Fraser River delta in BC) are highly productive Mountainous or hilly areas tend to loose soil through erosion and are less productive Flat, sandy areas with high water tables are also less productive because it is too wet