Abstracts

The Application of the CanSOIL-INTERPNB Soil Interpretation Model for Crop and Forest Tree Production in New Brunswick

The unique map polygons of the Pedo-Climate (soil-climate) map of New Brunswick are interpreted for the production of agricultural crops and forest trees using the soil interpretation model CanSOIL-INTERPNB. The suitability identification model helps in establishing management practices by qualitatively assigning the best site prediction for specific species or use. This proved to be a valuable decision making tool for agriculture and forest managers as well as engineers. The prediction model can be applied at the local, regional, national and international levels providing that the soil and climate databases are available for the area under investigation. It will also help in the decision-making process concerning the establishment of research strategies for locating best sites that support sound ecosystem management. As a real time interpretation tool, the CanSOIL-INTERPNB has the ability to interpret soils for the production of eight agricultural crops and twelve tree species. By using GIS, interpretation results overlays can depict suitability of species for given areas in the landscape. The model was successfully tested and applied in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, Canada.