Lesson 3: Soil Conservation Practices
This is the third lesson (3 of 5) in a National FFA sustainability series, focused on sustainable soil conservation techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, no-till farming, and composting. Students analyze the effectiveness of different conservation methods through a hands-on tillage/erosion demonstration, a research activity, and a gallery showcase project. By the end, students understand how these practices maintain soil health, reduce erosion, and improve long-term agricultural productivity.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Identify and evaluate soil conservation methods.
- Understand how sustainable practices benefit soil health.
- Time required
- 125-155 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 "Principles of Soil Health" student activity sheet for each student
- A copy of the "Real Ag: Soil Health and Conservation" student activity sheet for each student
- A copy of the "Soil Conservation Practices" student activity sheet for each student
- Three aluminum pans
- Soil
- Water (Spray bottle optional)
- Mulch
- Grass or grass seed
- Three clear plastic containers
- Books or wooden blocks
- Computer and projector/TV to display video for students
- Student devices with internet access
- Poster board, printer paper or other materials to display student work
- Tape
- Vocabulary
- Buffer Strips, Compost, Conservation, Contour Farming, Cover Crops, Crop Rotation, Erosion, Mulch, Soil Health, Terracing
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- English/Language Arts – Create written materials to promote and inform others about soil conservation practices.
- SAE and FFA Connections
- Agronomy CDE; Environmental and Natural Resources CDE; Proficiency Areas: Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management; Foundational SAE Connections: Agricultural Literacy
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Environmental Literacy; Global Awareness; Information, Communications, and Technology Literacy; Think Creatively
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 – 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.
Next Generation Science
- HS-ESS3-1Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.