Detailed Lesson Plan: Methods of Improving Soil Fertility

General Information

• Subject: Agricultural Science
• Class: Primary 4
• Term: Second Term
• Week: Week 5
• Age: 8–10 years
• Topic: Soil: Methods of Improving Soil Fertility
• Sub-topic: Importance and methods of enhancing soil fertility.
• Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Identify and explain different methods of improving soil fertility.
2. Define soil fertility and discuss its importance for agriculture.
3. Outline environmental and economic benefits of improving soil fertility.
4. Demonstrate practical methods like composting and soil testing.

Keywords

• Soil fertility
• Composting
• Mulching
• Fertilizers
• Crop rotation

Set Induction (5 Minutes)

1. Greet the pupils and show an image or short video of healthy crops and unhealthy crops.
2. Ask the pupils:
   • “Why do you think the unhealthy crops are not growing well?”
   • “What can farmers do to help these crops grow better?”
3. Mention that today’s lesson will focus on how to make the soil healthy to grow more crops.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils already know the causes of reduced soil fertility from the previous lesson.

Learning Resources and Materials

1. Samples of soil.
2. Composting materials (dry leaves, grass, kitchen waste).
3. Soil testing kits.
4. PowerPoint slides or posters.
5. Handouts on methods of improving soil fertility.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Ask pupils:

• “Can you remember some causes of reduced soil fertility from the last lesson?”
• “How do you think we can solve these problems?”

Embedded Core Skills

1. Communication and collaboration.
2. Critical thinking and problem-solving.
3. Creativity and imagination.
4. Environmental awareness.

Instructional Materials

1. Lagos State Scheme of Work.
2. Agricultural Science textbooks.
3. Interactive digital slides (if available).
4. Whiteboard and markers.

Content Development

Definition of Soil Fertility

Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to support plant growth by providing necessary nutrients, water, and a suitable environment.

Methods of Improving Soil Fertility

1. Composting:
   • Decomposing organic waste like leaves and food scraps into a natural fertilizer.
   • Example: Using a compost bin to produce rich, black compost for gardens.
2. Crop Rotation:
   • Alternating crops in the same field to prevent soil depletion.
   • Example: Planting maize one year and beans the next.
3. Green Manure:
   • Growing plants like clover and plowing them back into the soil to add nutrients.
   • Example: Planting cover crops between main crops.
4. Mulching:
   • Spreading organic material (e.g., dry leaves) on the soil surface to retain moisture and add nutrients.
   • Example: Farmers placing straw around plants.
5. Adding Fertilizers:
   • Using organic or chemical fertilizers to enrich the soil.
   • Example: Applying animal manure to a farm.
6. Soil Testing:
   • Checking the soil’s pH and nutrient levels to decide the best way to improve it.
   • Example: Testing soil before planting vegetables.
7. Tilling:
   • Loosening the soil to allow air and nutrients to penetrate.
   • Example: Farmers using hoes or tractors to till the land.

Importance of Improving Soil Fertility

1. Increases Crop Yields: Ensures plants grow well and produce more food.
2. Environmental Benefits: Reduces the use of harmful chemicals.
3. Economic Benefits: Healthy soil means less spending on fertilizers.
4. Sustainable Agriculture: Supports long-term farming without harming the environment.
5. Improves Plant Health: Healthy soil grows strong plants that resist pests.

Lesson Presentation Steps

1. Revision (5 Minutes)
   • Ask pupils to list causes of reduced soil fertility.
   • Allow pupils to mention their ideas about improving soil fertility.
2. Introduction of the New Topic (10 Minutes)
   • Explain soil fertility and its importance.
   • Show samples of fertile and infertile soil.
3. Teacher’s Activities (20 Minutes)
   • Demonstrate composting using leaves and kitchen waste.
   • Guide pupils in testing soil samples for nutrients.
   • Discuss the methods of improving soil fertility.
4. Learners’ Activities (15 Minutes)
   • Pupils work in groups to make compost using provided materials.
   • Pupils test soil from their school garden using a soil kit.
   • Groups share their findings with the class.

Evaluation Questions (Fill-in-the-Blank)

1. ________ is the practice of decomposing organic waste into natural fertilizer.
   a) Composting b) Mulching c) Tilling d) Fertilizing
2. Crop rotation helps to prevent soil ________.
   a) Fertility b) Depletion c) Testing d) Moisture
3. ________ is a plant grown to improve soil fertility and then plowed into the soil.
   a) Green manure b) Mulch c) Fertilizer d) Compost
4. Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to support ________.
   a) Erosion b) Plant growth c) Soil testing d) Diseases
5. ________ is used to determine the nutrient levels in soil.
   a) Tilling b) Soil testing c) Mulching d) Composting

Class Activity Discussion FAQs

1. What is soil fertility?
   • The ability of soil to grow healthy plants.
2. Why is soil fertility important?
   • It helps plants grow and increases food production.
3. What is composting?
   • Turning organic waste into natural fertilizer.
4. What is the role of crop rotation?
   • Prevents soil depletion and diseases.
5. What are cover crops?
   • Plants grown to improve soil quality.

Assessment

1. Define soil fertility.
2. List three methods of improving soil fertility.
3. Why is soil testing important?
4. What is the importance of composting?
5. How can mulching help in farming?

Conclusion

The teacher moves around, reviews pupils’ group work, and provides feedback.

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