Agroclimate Zones for Idaho

The downloadable ZIP file contains an Esri grid.  These data were created as part of a graduate thesis at the University of Idaho to 1.) demonstrate that a combination of geographic information systems (GIS) and multivariate statistical procedures can be used to map climate using data from the Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM), and to 2). delineate agroclimate zones for the purpose of applying successful dryland agricultural research management practices throughout areas of relative climatic uniformity. No responsibility is assumed by Idaho State Climate Services in the use of these data.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Multivariate statistical analysis and geographic information systems were used to delineate homogeneous agroclimate zones for Idaho for the purpose of applying successful dryland agricultural research practices and management decisions throughout these areas of relative climatic uniformity. Data used to produce the classification are from the Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM), developed at Oregon State University. PRISM has produced gridded estimates of mean monthly and annual climatic parameters from point data and a digital elevation model (DEM). Principal components analysis was performed on fifty-five variables including various temperature and precipitation parameters, the number of growing-degree days, the mean annual number of freeze-free days, the mean annual day of first freeze in the fall, and the mean annual day of last freeze in the spring. Cluster analysis was used to identify sixteen agroclimate zones each having similar climatic conditions regardless of its spatial location. As a result, successful dryland agricultural practices and management decisions that are based on new technologies and developed for one part of the state may potentially be applied to other parts of the state that fall within the same agroclimate zone.</div><div><br /></div><div>These data were created as part of this thesis: <span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;'><a href='https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/m1uotc/CP71174200670001451' rel='nofollow ugc'>https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/m1uotc/CP71174200670001451</a></span><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;'></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style='font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;, sans-serif;'>36&quot; x 48&quot; PDF map:  <a href='https://insideidaho.org/data/ago/ics/agroclimate-zones.pdf' rel='nofollow ugc' target='_blank'>https://insideidaho.org/data/ago/ics/agroclimate-zones.pdf</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span>These data were contributed to <a href='https://insideidaho.org' rel='nofollow ugc' target='_blank'>INSIDE Idaho</a> at the <a href='https://www.lib.uidaho.edu' rel='nofollow ugc' target='_blank'>University of Idaho Library</a> in 1999.</span><br /><span style='font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;, sans-serif;'></span><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;'></span></div>

Tags: agroclimate-zones, climatologymeteorologyatmosphere, idaho-state-climate-services
Organization: University of Idaho