Tools

The Tools Section provides access to interactive Web-mapping applications, worksheets and calculators designed to assist land-use decision makers. For example, tools found within this section can estimate the number of cattle a land parcel can accommodate, the cost of a new fence, or the compaction risk of a soil.

Biomass Inventory Mapping and Analysis Tool

The Biomass Inventory Mapping and Analysis Tool (BIMAT) provides Internet-based GIS functionality to query and visualize biomass inventory data. It was developed to broaden our knowledge about the availability of Canadian herbaceous and woody opportunity biomass, as well as the spatial variability of this resource across the country. Users of the application will be able to make well-informed decisions based on spatially-explicit information that presents a comprehensive view of biomass quantity and opportunity in Canada. Biomass supply and location information is made available through a collection of thematic maps and interactive queries of the herbaceous and woody biomass databases.

Holos

A tool to estimate and reduce GHGs from farms

Download Holos now (ZIP version, 118 MB) - Help on ZIP

Holos is a whole-farm modelling software program that estimates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions based on information entered for individual farms. Holos estimates carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management, cropping systems and energy use. Carbon storage and loss from lineal tree plantings and changes in land use and management are also estimated resulting in a whole-farm GHG estimate. The main purpose of Holos is to envision and test possible ways of reducing GHG emissions from farms.

Quality Farm Dugouts

The Dugout Sizing application is an interactive worksheet to enable users to size their farm dugout. The first step is a volume calculation based on the amount of water required for use and the user's location. The geographical location of the user determines an average evaporation rate to calculate losses and to estimate the area of land required to provide sufficient runoff. Once the volume has been calculated, the worksheet allows the user to select dugout dimensions which should meet his water supply needs.

Rural Water Quality Information Tool

Rural Water Quality Information Tool (RWQIT) is an on-line tool which assesses the quality and suitability of raw water sources for privately owned and operated water supplies.

Key features include:

• Assesses one water source at a time from the water analysis data you provide;
• Assesses water used for the following purposes: human drinking, livestock water, irrigation or mix water for chemical spraying application;
• Asks key diagnostic questions based on the selected use;
• Compares your analysis results against the most applicable Canadian federal water quality guidelines or best available information;
• Provides links and lists references to key background information for further investigation;
• Allows you to print a detailed report;
• Gives you the option of submitting your results to RWQIT developers. If you provide your data, it will become a valuable source of information for future upgrades of the tool.

Stocking Rate Calculator

When developing a grazing system, the most important starting point is to determine the proper stocking rate. The Stocking Rate Calculator was created by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives to assist producers with determining the correct balance between animal forage demands and forage resource requirements for maintenance of plant vigour and health. This calculator will provide information that can be used in one of two ways: to determine the number of head a system can carry or to determine how many days a given herd can graze in a system.