Field Guide to Ecosites of Northern Alberta

An ecological classification system was developed for Northern Alberta
through the analysis of vegetation, soil, site, and forest productivity
information. The hierarchical classification system has three levels -
ecosite, ecosite phase and plant community type. Thirty-eight ecosites
are described with further detail provided by subdivision into ecosite
and ecosite phase and plant community type. A soil type classification
system that describes 17 soil types was also developed. Management
interpretations were made for drought, excess moisture, soil rutting
hazard, soil compaction hazard, puddling hazard, soil erosion hazard,
frost heave hazard, soil temperature limitations, vegetation
competition, and windthrow hazard. Colour photos and drawings for 87
common plants of northern Alberta are presented.