diff --git a/src/module_EARTH_GRID_COMP.F90 b/src/module_EARTH_GRID_COMP.F90
index 5b93bf60..3336eec3 100644
--- a/src/module_EARTH_GRID_COMP.F90
+++ b/src/module_EARTH_GRID_COMP.F90
@@ -3017,6 +3017,18 @@ SUBROUTINE EARTH_REGISTER(EARTH_GRID_COMP,RC_REG)
           return  ! bail out
       endif
 
+      if (.not.NUOPC_FieldDictionaryHasEntry( &
+        "inst_spec_humid_conv_tendency_levels")) then
+        call NUOPC_FieldDictionaryAddEntry( &
+          standardName="inst_spec_humid_conv_tendency_levels", &
+          canonicalUnits="kg kg-1 s-1", &
+          rc=rc)
+        if (ESMF_LogFoundError(rcToCheck=rc, msg=ESMF_LOGERR_PASSTHRU, &
+          line=__LINE__, &
+          file=__FILE__)) &
+          return  ! bail out
+      endif
+
       if (.not.NUOPC_FieldDictionaryHasEntry( &
         "inst_friction_velocity")) then
         call NUOPC_FieldDictionaryAddEntry( &