A CLIMATIC MOISTURE INDEX FOR LAND AND SOIL CLASSIFICATION IN CANADA

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Abstract
Recent advances in the application of computer techniques for determining irrigation requirements from climatic data have made possible the development of a climatic moisture index to supplement conventional methods used in land and soil classification. The index approximates the ability of precipitation to provide the water required by annual crops if their production is not limited by water stress. Standardization of the non-climatic variables involved in its determination does not unduly restrict the range of soil textures and spring soil water conditions to which it applies. The values of the index in the various climatic regimes across the country are shown and their use in providing supplemental information for land and soil classification is indicated.