Lesson 2: Factors Affecting Soil Health
This is lesson 2 of 5 in a National FFA sustainability series, “Factors Affecting Soil Health,” in which students explore the key physical, chemical, biological, and human influences on soil health. Students investigate how elements like soil texture, pH, organic matter, and land use practices affect the soil’s ability to support plant growth and ecological functions, then apply their understanding by diagnosing soil problems and recommending evidence-based solutions through card-sort activities and a “Soil Doctor” scenario exercise.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Identify and explain major physical, chemical, biological and human factors that influence soil health.
- Evaluate how different factors interact to support or degrade healthy soil.
- Analyze real-world examples of practices that promote or harm soil health.
- Time required
- 60-70 minutes (*Time requirements may vary based upon student understanding and class schedule.)
- Grade level
- Grades 9 and 10
- Materials
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- A copy of the “Factors Affecting Soil Health” student activity sheet for each student
- A copy of the “Soil Doctor: Diagnose and Recommend” student activity sheet for each student
- A set of the “Soil Health Sort Cards” (Appendix 1) for each group of three or four students
- A set of the “Soil Health Situation Cards” (Appendix 2) for each group of three or four students
- Student devices with internet access
- Vocabulary
- Biodiversity; Compactions; Microorganisms; Nutrient; Organic Matter; pH; Salinity; Soil Texture; Tillage
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- English/Language Arts — Write recommendations for how to improve soil health; Have collaborative discussions surrounding soil health.
- SAE and FFA Connections
- Agronomy CDE; Environmental and Natural Resources CDE; Proficiency Areas: Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management; Foundational SAE Connections: Agricultural Literacy
- Description of Lesson
- In this lesson, students explore the key physical, chemical, biological and human influences on soil health. Students will investigate how elements like soil texture, pH, organic matter and land use practices affect the soil's ability to support plant growth and ecological functions. They will then apply their understanding by diagnosing soil problems and recommending evidence-based solutions.
Downloads & Links
Lesson plan
Worksheet
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
- CRP.05Consider the environmental, social and economic impact of decisions.
AFNR Cluster Skills
- CS.03Examine and summarize the importance of health, safety and environmental management systems in AFNR workplaces.
- CS.04Demonstrate stewardship of natural resources in AFNR activities.
- CS.06Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing and management of food, fiber and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
AFNR Performance Element
Common Career Technical Core
- AG-NR2Analyze the interrelationships between natural resources and humans.
- AG-NR4Demonstrate responsible management procedures and techniques to protect or maintain natural resources.
- AG3Examine and summarize the importance of health, safety, and environmental management systems in AFNR businesses.
- AG4Demonstrate stewardship of natural resources in AFNR activities.
- AG6Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing, and management of food, fiber, and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Common Core – Science & Technical Subjects
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.7Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
FFA Precept
- FFA.CS-MCommunication: Effectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.CS-NDecision Making: Analyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
- FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
- FFA.PL-BRelationship: Build relationships, work as a team player and appreciate the talents of others.
Green/Sustainability Knowledge and Skill Statements
- AFNR Career Cluster, Statement 1Apply understanding of ecosystems and systems thinking to the management of natural resources to maximize the health and productivity of the environment, agriculture, communities, and society.
- AFNR Career Cluster, Statement 3Communicate the impact of green and sustainability principles on agriculture, food and natural resource systems.
- AFNR Career Cluster, Statement 7Demonstrate an understanding of green and sustainability trends that are impacting processes and markets in AFNR.