Lesson Plan: Causes of Reduction in Soil Fertility

Subject: Agricultural Science

Class: Primary 4

Term: Second Term

Week: 4

Age: 8-9 years

Topic: Soil: Causes of Reduction in Soil Fertility

Sub-topic: Factors and Effects of Reduced Soil Fertility

Duration: 40 Minutes

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Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Explain the concept of soil fertility.
2. Identify the causes of reduction in soil fertility.
3. Describe the effects of reduced soil fertility on plants and the environment.

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Keywords

• Soil Fertility: The health and nutrient content of the soil.
• Erosion: Soil being washed away by wind or water.
• Organic Matter: Natural material like compost or manure.
• Pollution: Contamination of soil by harmful chemicals.

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Set Induction

The teacher displays two pots of plants: one growing well (in fertile soil) and another with stunted growth (in infertile soil). The teacher asks pupils to observe and share what they notice.

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Entry Behavior

Pupils are familiar with soil as the medium for plant growth from the previous lesson on soil classification.

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Learning Resources and Materials

1. Pictures of healthy and unhealthy soils.
2. Samples of sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.
3. Flashcards showing causes of reduced soil fertility.
4. A short video on soil fertility (if available).

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher reminds the pupils of the previous lesson on soil classification and asks them to describe the characteristics of sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.

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Embedded Core Skills

• Communication: Group discussions and presentations.
• Critical Thinking: Identifying the causes and effects of soil fertility reduction.
• Collaboration: Group activities.
• Creativity: Designing charts to summarize learning points.
• Citizenship: Understanding the importance of soil conservation.

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Reference Books

1. Lagos State Scheme of Work.
2. Agricultural Science for Primary Schools.

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Instructional Materials

• Soil samples.
• Flashcards.
• Posters showing the effects of reduced soil fertility.

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Content Development

1. Meaning of Soil Fertility

• Soil fertility refers to how healthy and nutritious the soil is for growing plants.
• Fertile soil has nutrients that plants need to grow strong and healthy.

Examples

1. A farm with compost-rich soil produces healthy crops.
2. Adding fertilizers to poor soil improves crop yield.
3. Gardens with organic matter grow vibrant flowers.

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2. Causes of Reduction in Soil Fertility

1. Overuse or Misuse of Soil: Planting the same crops repeatedly depletes nutrients.
2. Erosion: Wind or water washes away the topsoil rich in nutrients.
3. Pollution: Excessive use of chemicals harms beneficial soil microorganisms.
4. Lack of Organic Matter: Absence of compost or manure reduces soil nutrients.
5. Climate Change: Droughts and heavy rains damage soil structure.

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3. Effects of Reduced Soil Fertility

1. Reduced Plant Growth: Plants become stunted, and yields decrease.
2. Compacted Soil: Soil loses its structure, making water absorption difficult.
3. Increased Fertilizer Use: Farmers rely more on fertilizers, increasing costs.
4. Loss of Biodiversity: Decreased soil fertility affects plants and microorganisms.
5. Climate Impact: Reduced soil carbon sequestration worsens climate change.

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Examples

1. Farms with eroded soil yield fewer crops.
2. Polluted soils struggle to grow healthy plants.
3. Droughts lead to nutrient loss in soil.

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Lesson Presentation

Teacher’s Activities

1. Introduction: Show soil samples and ask pupils to identify fertile and infertile soil.
2. Discussion: Explain the causes and effects of reduced soil fertility using charts.
3. Engagement: Organize group activities to brainstorm solutions for soil conservation.

Learners’ Activities

1. Observe and compare soil samples.
2. Discuss in groups how poor soil fertility affects crops.
3. Present their findings on how to maintain soil fertility.

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Evaluation Questions

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. Soil fertility means the ____________ and ____________ of soil for growing plants.
   a. Strength and shape
   b. Health and nutrients
   c. Size and weight
   d. Color and texture
2. ____________ is the process where soil is washed away by wind or water.
   a. Pollution
   b. Erosion
   c. Fertilization
   d. Rotation
3. Adding ____________ to soil helps maintain fertility.
   a. Plastics
   b. Organic matter
   c. Chemicals
   d. Salt
4. Reduced soil fertility can cause ____________ plant growth.
   a. Rapid
   b. Healthy
   c. Stunted
   d. Massive
5. One of the effects of reduced soil fertility is ____________.
   a. Increased crop yield
   b. Loss of biodiversity
   c. Healthy plants
   d. Stronger soil structure

(Continue with 10 more similar questions.)

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Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)

1. What is soil fertility? Answer: It refers to the health and nutrient content of soil.
2. What causes soil erosion? Answer: Wind or water washing away soil.
3. Why is organic matter important? Answer: It provides nutrients and retains moisture.
4. Can pollution affect soil fertility? Answer: Yes, it kills beneficial microorganisms.
   (Continue with 11 more FAQs.)

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Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the importance of soil fertility and its impact on plants and the environment. Pupils review the causes and effects of reduced soil fertility. The teacher marks pupils’ worksheets and provides feedback.

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