The southern oscillation index and southern Australia

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Primefact Number: 615    Edition: First edition    Released/reviewed: May 2007

 

When grazing and cropping conditions deteriorate, rural businesses become increasingly nervous. At times like these we wish we had a crystal ball. We begin reading forecasts and looking at the southern oscillation index (SOI) in the search for answers. But how accurate is the SOI, and does it really have a place in farm management in southern Australia?

The contents of this Primefact include information on the following:

  • What is the SOI?
  • Is the SOI relevant in southern Australia?
  • What is 'correlation'?
  • How do I use the SOI?
  • When is the SOI most accurate?