The subarctic or Tundra climate has annual maximum temperature ≤ 10°C.^1-2 This climate is typically found between 50° and 70° latitude.² Farming may be difficult due the extreme cold; irrigation is a challenge as pipes may freeze for most of the year. Conifers typically thrive in the warmest areas of this climate; in colder areas, moss, grasses, and willows thrive. The cold climate also allows for the build up of soil organic matter leading to the formation of soils rich in organic matter; soils with permanently frozen horizons will be found in areas where mean annual temperatures are less than 0°C. As a result of anthropogenic climate change, this climate will shift closer to poles as the earth warms.³ This climate is typically found in the northern hemisphere in countries such as Canada, The United States of America, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Mongolia, China, and Japan.²

^{Subarctic Photo by Chris Ried on Unsplash}

Soil Health Challenges for Subarctic Climates

• Excessive Water and Poor Drainage

• Erosion

• Structural Degradation

• Pollution

References

1. Pidwirny, M.; Jones, S. Climate classification and climatic regions of the world. http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7v.html (accessed 8/26/2018).
2. Kottek, M.; Grieser, J.; Beck, C.; Rudolf, B.; Rubel, F., World map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated. Meteorologische Zeitschrift 2006, 15 (3), 259-263.
3. Rubel, F.; Kottek, M., Observed and projected climate shifts 1901–2100 depicted by world maps of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. Meteorologische Zeitschrift 2010, 19 (2), 135-141.