Special crop maps
Saskatchewan Agriculture and the University of Saskatchewan have developed a series of maps that show what parts of the province special crops are best adapted.
“These maps are based on general soil, landscape and climate information for the province, and the growth requirements of the specific crops,” said Bruce Baumann, crops program co-ordinator with the provincial agriculture department.
The maps were developed by Henry de Gooijer, a staff member of the Saskatchewan Soil Survey at the U of S, which is responsible for mapping and classifying the province’s soils. This survey information includes soil information on characteristics such as acidity and salinity, as well as the stones and slope of the land. Information from the soil survey was combined with climate information gained from the 30-year averages compiled by Environment Canada.
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“We then researched the growing requirements for 15 different herb and spice crops. These crop characteristics, such as the heat, precipitation and length of season needed by each plant, were entered into the data base and joined to the soil and landscape data,” said de Gooijer.
The result is a series of 15 maps of the province with a legend indicating growing limitations that range from slight to severe.
These black and white maps, along with 37 color photographs of 15 herbs and spices, will be sent as an update package to everyone who has already purchased a copy of The Grower’s Guide to Herbs and Spices. The original print run is sold out, but 250 copies of the updated guide are now available from the Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association, 143 Laurentian Drive, Saskatoon, S7H 4R7; telephone Larry Balion at 306-955-7189.
The reprinted guide contains both the maps and the photographs, and sells for $25 to members of the Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association. Non-members may buy a copy for $46. (Full membership in the association is $50 and associate membership $35.)
Color copies of the Special Crops Suitability Maps are available at a cost of $3 each plus $2 for postage and handling from the Saskatchewan Land Resource Unit, Soil Science Department, Room 5C26, Agriculture Building, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Sask., S7N 5A8. A cheque should be made payable to the Saskatchewan Land Resource Unit.
– Saskatchewan Agriculture
