The first national land inventory in Canada, the Canada Land Inventory (CLI), was based largely on soil survey information, and the initial capability rating was for common field crops. Over the years different agencies modified the CLI for a variety of purposes and in some cases, new systems of land capability rating were developed. The use of different systems led to confusion and conflict.

A Working Group was formed to examine a number of systems used to rate land for the production of agricultural crops. Conclusions from the initial assessment were:

• The basic concept of the seven class CLI system should be retained. It was the basis of land legislation in several provinces, and it was easy to understand.
• The major weaknesses of the CLI system included:

1. the inadequate consideration of climate,
2.  the omission of organic soils from the system,
3.  the inadequate documentation of criteria, and
4. the subjectivity of the rating process.

It was agreed that:

• Since climate, soil, and landscape factors could independently control the suitability of a tract of land for crop production, each one should be rated separately.

• An expert system approach based on present knowledge should be used in developing an improved national system for rating land suitability for production of crops.

This resulted in the following technical document:

"Land Suitability Rating System for Agricultural Crops
1. Spring-seeded small grains"