Tab.2: Soil properties in Nunavut and Northwest Territories, Canada

Soils of Arctic Canada were sampled during the Tundra Northwest Expedition 1999 (TNW-99) at 17 sites that cover the ecological regions of the High, Mid and Low Arctic zones. Almost all locations consisted of a mesic and a dry habitat and are described with respect to their ecological function. Analyses on soil characteristics were performed for soil morphology, texture and chemistry. The data showed a wide variability due to local aspects. Statistical evidence did not indicate that larger-than-local ecological regions could be defined in most cases by either soil chemical characteristics or vegetation patterns. Soil classification according to the World Reference Base of Soils (WRB) showed the dominance of different Cryosols, but also Gelic Cambisols and Gelic Regosols were found; according to US Soil Taxonomy, they could be classified as different Orthels, Turbels and Histels. Low temperature, high stone content and low nutrient availability were noted as factors hampering plant growth and soil activity.