A study was undertaken to characterize the spatial relation between agriculture and the soil resource in Canada. Cluster analysis was used to develop crop groups, using data from a large, computerized soils, climate and census data base. The crop groups were interpreted spatially and relative to soil Great Groups. Good spatial grouping was found with land-based agricultural activities such as crop type, crop acreage profiles and extent of cultivation. Poor association was found with livestock and amount of off-farm work. The study demonstrates the regional specialization in Canadian agriculture, and shows that particular physical environments are best suited to certain kinds of agriculture.