Crop Productivity Index Ratings for Minnesota
Crop productivity index ratings from the Natural Resources Conservation
Service provide a relative ranking of soils based on their potential for
intensive crop production. An index can be used to rate the potential
yield of one soil against that of another over a period of time. Ratings
range from 0 to 100. The higher numbers indicate higher production
potential.
Computing the ratings

CPI ratings do not take into account climatic factors, such as the
differences in precipitation or growing degree days across Minnesota.
The ratings are based on physical and chemical properties of the soils
and on such hazards as flooding or ponding. Available water capacity,
reaction (pH), slope, soil moisture status, cation-exchange capacity
(CEC), organic matter content, salinity, and surface fragments are the
major properties evaluated when CPI ratings are generated. The soil
properties selected are those that are important for the production of
corn.
All soil component mapping phases in Minnesota were evaluated using the
Cropland Productivity rule in the National Soil Information System (NASIS),
and a CPI was generated for each phase. A statistical mean CPI value was
created for each soil component mapping phase. All map units were
populated with each component’s mean CPI value, and a weighted average
CPI was created for each soil map unit in the state. An individual map
unit (for example, Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes) will have
the same CPI value wherever that map unit occurs throughout the state.
When the soils are rated, the following assumptions are made:
- adequate management
- natural weather conditions (no irrigation)
- artificial drainage where required
- no climatic factors considered
- no land leveling or terracing.
Even though predicted average yields will change with time, the
productivity indices are expected to remain relatively constant in
relation to one another over time.
Obtaining CPI maps and tables

Maps and tables
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides maps and tables of crop productivity index ratings via the Web Soil Survey.
After choosing your Area of Interest and creating your soil map, go to the Soil Data Explorer tab, choose Vegetative Productivity, choose Crop Productivity Index, and then check "View Rating". Maps and tables can be saved or printed in PDF reports.
- Click on graphic to the right for a larger view of a sample map.
- Click on graphic below for a larger view of a sample table. Table content can be copied and pasted into a spreadsheet or other document.