SOIL: SUITABLE SOIL FOR PLANTING DIFFERENT CROPS PRIMARY 4 SECOND TERM AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE WEEK 6

Subject : AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Class : Primary 4

Term : Second Term

Week : Week 6

Topic :

SOIL :SUITABLE SOIL FOR PLANTING DIFFERENT CROPS

Previous Lesson: 

SOIL : METHODS OF IMPROVING SOIL FERTILITY

Behavioural Objectives 

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

• identify the best soil
  for planting;
• outline the properties
  found in each soil;
  differentiate between
  fertile and non fertile
  soils.
• understand the properties found in each type of soil
• differentiate between fertile and non-fertile soils
• identify the best soil for planting

Learning Activities 

• Pupils, as class, discuss
  the best soil for planting
  as guided by the teacher.
• Pupils, as a class, watch a
  short video on properties
  of soil, list the properties
  and describe the role of
  each item in the soil.
• Pupils, in groups, discuss
  differences between fertile
  and non-fertile soil and
  share with class.
• Pupils, in the same
  groups, plant one type of
  crop on fertile and non
  fertile soil each to
  examine the importance of
  soil fertility in crop
  production.

Embedded Core Skills 

• Communication and Collaboration
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Leadership skills and Personal Development
• Creativity and Imagination
• Citizenship

Learning Resources 

• Display of different types of soil
• Web links
• PowerPoint presentation
• Textbooks and Workbook on soil fertility and methods of improving it
• Whiteboard and markers
• Soil testing kit
• Soil samples (sandy soil, loamy soil, clayey soil)
• Soil testing kit
• Garden tools (trowel, shovel, watering can)
• Weblink:Differences In Soil

Content Development

Identification of the best soil for Planting

When we want to plant something, we need to make sure that the soil is healthy and can provide the necessary nutrients for the plants to grow.

Here are some things to look for when identifying the best soil for planting:

1. Texture: Soil can be sandy, clay-like, or loamy. Loamy soil is usually the best for planting because it has a good mixture of sand, silt, and clay, which helps water and air move through the soil.
2. Color: Dark soil is usually a good sign because it means there is a lot of organic matter (like dead plants and animals) in the soil. This organic matter provides nutrients for the plants.
3. Drainage: Soil that drains well is important because it allows water to move through the soil easily. If soil doesn’t drain well, plants can drown or get root rot.
4. pH: The pH level of the soil is a measure of how acidic or alkaline it is. Most plants grow best in soil with a pH between 6 and 7. You can test the pH level of soil with a soil testing kit or by taking a sample to a garden center.

Now, let’s look at some examples of good soil for planting:

Example 1: A vegetable garden has dark, crumbly soil that smells earthy. The soil is well-draining and has a pH level of 6.5. This soil is great for planting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce.

Example 2: A flower bed has sandy soil that is light in color. The soil drains well but has a pH level of 7.5, which is too alkaline for most plants. To make this soil better for planting, gardeners could add compost or other organic matter to lower the pH level

Outline of the Properties found in each soil and differences between fertile and non fertile soils.

Soil has many different properties that affect how well plants can grow in it. Here are some of the most important properties to know:

1. Texture: Soil texture refers to the size of the soil particles. Soils can be classified as sandy, loamy, or clayey. Sandy soils are loose and drain quickly, while clayey soils are sticky and heavy. Loamy soils have a good mixture of sand, silt, and clay and are usually the best for growing plants.
2. Color: Soil color can tell you a lot about the soil’s health. Dark, rich soil usually indicates a high level of organic matter, which is important for plant growth. Light-colored soil may be low in organic matter and nutrients.
3. pH: Soil pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the soil is. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. If the soil pH is too high or too low, it can affect plant growth.
4. Drainage: Soil drainage is how well the soil can hold and move water. Soil that drains well is important for healthy plant growth. Soil that doesn’t drain well can cause plants to suffocate or develop root rot.

Now let’s talk about the difference between fertile and non-fertile soils. Fertile soil is soil that has all the necessary nutrients and minerals for plants to grow well. It has a good balance of organic matter, nutrients, and minerals, and usually has a healthy texture, color, and pH level. Fertile soil produces healthy plants with strong root systems and abundant flowers or fruits.

Non-fertile soil, on the other hand, lacks the necessary nutrients and minerals for plants to grow well. It may be low in organic matter, have an imbalanced pH level, or lack good drainage. Plants grown in non-fertile soil may be stunted, have yellow or brown leaves, or produce few or no flowers or fruits.

For example, let’s say you have two gardens. In one garden, the soil is dark, crumbly, and has a good mix of sand, silt, and clay. It has a slightly acidic pH level and drains well. This soil would be considered fertile, and plants grown in it would likely thrive.

In the other garden, the soil is light in color and feels sandy. It doesn’t hold water well and has a high pH level. This soil would be considered non-fertile, and plants grown in it would likely struggle to grow and produce healthy fruits or flowers

Evaluation

1. Which type of soil is best for planting? a) Sandy soil b) Loamy soil c) Clayey soil
2. What does dark soil indicate? a) A high level of organic matter b) A high level of sand c) A high level of clay
3. What is soil pH? a) A measure of how acidic or alkaline the soil is b) A measure of the soil’s texture c) A measure of the soil’s color
4. What pH level is best for most plants? a) 6 to 7 b) 3 to 4 c) 8 to 9
5. What is soil drainage? a) How well the soil can hold and move water b) The size of the soil particles c) The color of the soil
6. What is the difference between sandy and clayey soil? a) Sandy soil is sticky and heavy, while clayey soil is loose and drains quickly. b) Sandy soil is loose and drains quickly, while clayey soil is sticky and heavy. c) Sandy soil has a good mixture of sand, silt, and clay, while clayey soil lacks these components.
7. What is fertile soil? a) Soil that has all the necessary nutrients and minerals for plants to grow well b) Soil that lacks the necessary nutrients and minerals for plants to grow well c) Soil that has a balanced pH level
8. What can happen to plants grown in non-fertile soil? a) They may be stunted or have yellow or brown leaves b) They may produce abundant fruits or flowers c) They may grow tall and healthy
9. How can you test soil pH? a) Take a soil sample to a garden center b) Use a soil testing kit c) Look at the color of the soil
10. Why is good soil important for planting? a) It provides necessary nutrients for plants to grow b) It ensures that plants grow quickly c) It ensures that plants grow tall

Classwork

1. ________ soil is usually the best for planting because it has a good mixture of sand, silt, and clay.
2. Dark soil usually indicates a high level of ________ matter, which is important for plant growth.
3. Soil ________ is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the soil is.
4. Most plants prefer a slightly ________ soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5.
5. Soil drainage is how well the soil can hold and move ________.
6. Fertile soil is soil that has all the necessary nutrients and minerals for plants to grow well, and usually has a healthy texture, color, and ________ level.
7. Non-fertile soil lacks the necessary nutrients and minerals for plants to grow well, and may be low in organic matter, have an imbalanced pH level, or lack good ________.
8. If soil doesn’t drain well, plants can drown or get ________ rot.
9. The pH level of soil can be tested using a soil testing kit or by taking a sample to a ________ center.
10. Healthy soil is the foundation for healthy ________.

Homework

1. What is the best type of soil for planting?
2. What does dark soil usually indicate?
3. What is soil pH?
4. What pH level is best for most plants?
5. What is soil drainage?
6. What is fertile soil?
7. What is non-fertile soil?
8. Why is good soil important for planting?
9. How can you test soil pH?
10. What are some properties of loamy soil?

Lesson Presentation

Revision of Previous Lesson 

• Welcome the pupils to class with a smile
• Ask leading questions that are related to the previous to the previous lesson which was
• SOIL : METHODS OF IMPROVING SOIL FERTILITY

Introduction:

• Begin by asking the students if they have ever planted anything before, and what they think plants need to grow.
• Explain that one of the most important factors for growing healthy plants is the soil.
• Ask the students if they know what soil is made of and what properties make it good for planting.

Body:

• Present the different types of soil (sandy soil, loamy soil, clayey soil) and explain the properties of each, including texture, color, pH level, and drainage.
• Use soil samples to demonstrate the differences between each type of soil.
• Discuss the importance of good soil for plant growth and how it affects the health of the plant.
• Introduce the concept of fertile and non-fertile soil, and explain how to differentiate between the two.
• Use examples and pictures to illustrate the characteristics of fertile and non-fertile soil.
• Demonstrate how to test soil pH using a soil testing kit.

Conclusion:

• Recap the main points of the lesson, including the properties of each type of soil, the difference between fertile and non-fertile soil, and the importance of good soil for plant growth.
• Encourage students to use the knowledge they have gained to select the best soil for planting and care for their plants.
• Provide time for students to ask questions and discuss any further concerns.

Assessment:

• Have students complete a worksheet or quiz that includes questions about the properties of each type of soil and how to differentiate between fertile and non-fertile soil.
• Observe students as they identify the best soil for planting and care for their plants, providing feedback and guidance as needed.

Extension:

• Provide opportunities for students to plant and care for their own plants, using the knowledge they have gained about soil and plant growth.
• Encourage students to conduct experiments to test the effect of different types of soil on plant growth