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After completing this lesson, students will be able to recognize that farmland is a resource; appreciate that the world's growing population demands an increase in food productivity; describe the role fertilizer plays in increasing food productivity; distinguish between organic and commercial fertilizers; describe how excess nutrients are harmful to the environment; and identify different sources of nutrient pollution.

After completing this lesson, students will be able to appreciate how soil properties contribute to plant health; recognize that nutrient deficiencies limit crop productivity; understand the role of fertilizer in growing crop plants and in restoring nutrient balance to agricultural soils; relate crop productivity to the need for more farmland; and describe challenges associated with feeding the world's growing population.