1Research Branch, AAFC, Brandon R7A 5Y3, 2PFRA, AAFC, Regina S4P 4L2
3Research Branch, AAFC, Saskatoon S7N 5A8
With increasing modifications of our natural landscapes, the choices made by resource and land managers become increasingly important to the long-term sustainable use of our natural resources and to human welfare. Manipulation and analysis of resource databases using geographic information systems (GIS) and expert systems technology, shows great potential in the development of management strategies that are compatible with environmental protection goals. GIS technology permits rapid retrieval, display and analysis of resource information and, coupled with a method for multi-criteria evaluation (MCE), could facilitate assessment of the relative suitability of Prairie landscapes to receive animal manures. This presentation briefly summarizes the concepts and procedures, utilizing existing soils, climate and hydrogeological databases, to develop a methodology to deal more efficiently with issues related to livestock expansion on the Prairies.