between the physiographic features and the distribution and growth of forest 

 species, both in natural succession and under management practices. The physio- 

 graphic classification has been found to provide, not only a basis for rating the 

 capability of land for forestry, but a framework for the comparative rating of 

 land potential for agricultural settlement and for the management of wildlife, 

 fish and recreational lands. 



During the past fiscal year the landtyping on aerial photographs have 

 been completed on areas totalling 25,000 square miles in northern Ontario. This 

 is mainly in the district around Atikokan and Savanne in north-western Ontario 

 and around Pagwa and White River in north-eastern Ontario. 



Assistance was given head office and district staff in the interpreta- 

 tion of landtype maps in terms of potential biological productivity (i.e. for 

 wood production and fodder for wildlife). The application of landtypes in the 

 administration of renewable natural resources is being demonstrated in the Parry 

 Sound District. A map was prepared of north-western Ontario showing the potential 

 of broad areas for white and red pine production. The use- capability of the sites 

 of the Espanola Management Unit was discussed with the unit manager. 



A section report dealing with "The Use of Landtype Maps in Land-use 

 Planning" was prepared. Other assistance has also been given to the leader of 

 the Land-use Planning Section of the Department. 



Detailed laboratory, field and greenhouse experiments to support the 

 regional site research outlined above is under way. A member of the site research 

 group is completing postgraduate studies on the capability of soil materials to 

 provide the required nutrients under various conditions. 



Another member of the group was engaged in a study of soil moisture, 

 mainly with regard to the movement of water in soils of different texture And its 

 significance in forest growth. Physical and chemical tests are being made in the 

 laboratory to define more accurately the characteristics of the landtypes mapped 

 and described in the field. 



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