Title of Notes: Soil and agriculture p. 16 & 17 RS

Pick a science word and write down the definition. Chapter 12 Bell work – 3 minutes Pick a science word and write down the definition. Chapter 12

I’ll know I’ve got it when… Learning target I can describe how food production impacts soil. Today I am… learning about agriculture’s impact on soil characteristics. So that I’ll be able to… understand some of the man-made causes of soil degradation. I’ll know I’ve got it when… I can write at least one sentence explaining how food production impacts soil characteristics and one method used to protect it.

Why study soil and agriculture? 38% of land is used for agriculture. We have to grow most of our food and fiber. Topsoil is a crucial soil horizon for agriculture and ecosystems. Soil degradation can make feeding future populations a challenge.

Forestry practices Clear-cutting can lead to massive erosion. (Especially on steep slopes)

Tilling – Turning over soil before farming can lead to erosion. Farming practices Tilling – Turning over soil before farming can lead to erosion. Video: No tilling We will watch this video during class.

Ranching practices The raising / grazing of livestock can affect soils. Write down at least two effects overgrazing can have on soil.

Strategies: Contouring Gentle slope Reduces runoff without altering the land. Farmers plow sideways across a hillside, perpendicular to the hill’s slope. The soil is caught by the furrow created by the plow so it does not get carried away.

Strategies: Terracing Reduces runoff by altering the land. Farmers cultivate the slope by creating a series of steps.

Strategies: Intercropping Helps to provide more vegetation cover. Planting of different crops in the same field. Slows erosion by creating more plant cover.

Strategies: Crop rotation Farmers alternate crops grown in the field. Helps return nutrients to the soil. Prevents erosion from letting a field lie unplanted.

Strategies: Windbreaks or Shelterbelts Helps to reduce amount of wind that hits soil. Rows of taller trees or perennial plants planted along the edge of a field to prevent wind erosion.

Real-world impact of poor agricultural practices: Dustbowl – 1930’s drought + wind + overgrazing = disaster!

Provides assistance to farmers and other private landowners/managers. Soil Conservation Act Provides assistance to farmers and other private landowners/managers.

What’s the big picture? Poor agricultural practices can lead to: Erosion of soil and land Soil pollution Salinization Clogged and polluted waterways Loss of arable land Flooding

Reading Agriculture Pg. 365 – 372 Write down two important facts or definitions from the reading. bullet point them and get a stamp

Strategies for soil conservation p. 16 LS Title of drawings: Soil conservation strategies Draw a picture and write a description of the 5 strategies we discussed today. Describe the strategy and include the benefit from using this strategy. Must have color! Page 359 has details about each strategy.