Manitoba will expand its soil survey program by creating eight new positions in Minnedosa.
“An effective soil survey program provides vital information with a range of applications from land-use planning to crop insurance assessment,” said provincial agriculture minister Rosann Wowchuk said. “This expansion will significantly enhance Manitoba’s soil survey capacity.”
She said Minnedosa is an ideal, central location on the western side of the province for the new positions, in close proximity to federal soil scientists in Brandon.
The eight staff in Minnedosa will be supported by two additional laboratory staff in Winnipeg. Hiring for the new positions is underway.
The new staff will accelerate the agriculture department’s efforts to provide detailed soil survey information for the 60 percent of agricultural Manitoba that is now surveyed at a general or “reconnaissance” level.
Specialists combine and interpret soil data, topographical information and information on vegetation to construct a detailed understanding of the soil in a particular area.
Soil information is made available through maps and reports and on the provincial government’s website.
