The soil regions of Nova Scotia are irregular, uneven and reflective of the complex physical and human environments within the province. Distribution, types and quantities of soil influence the availability of plant and animal resources (see T12.10 and T12.11), determine agricultural development and settlement patterns, and contribute to commercial development.

Some activities, like agriculture, can be directly related to the use of soils as a resource. Other activities, such as land clearing for development, affect soils indirectly. Although soil conservation is not as big an issue as in the Prairie provinces, guidelines have been developed to reduce soil degradation in Nova Scotia. Table T12.9.1 gives a summary of agricultural resource areas in the province.

This Document Includes:

Historical Context
1600s and 1700s
1800s
The Use and Influence of Soils Today
Soil Capability
Agriculture
Development
Soil Degradation
Erosion
Acidification
Compaction
Contaminants
Loss of Organic Matter and Nutrients

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Additional Keywords:
tidal marshes, fertility, farmlands, dykes, alluvial soils, drumlins, till, farms, Canada Land Inventory, CLI, drainage patterns, hardpan

Associated Topics

T5.2 Nova Scotia's Climate
T9.2 Soil Classification
T9.3 Biological Environment
T12.4 Glacial Deposits and Resources
T12.7 The Coast and Resources
T12.8 Fresh Water and Resources
T12.10 Plants and Resources
T12.11 Animals and Resources

Associated Habitats

H2.6 Dune System
H5.2 Oldfield