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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

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

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

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

12. 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.

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

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

15. 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

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

17. 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.