After this lesson, students will be able to list aspects of soil composition; appreciate that soils are living and dynamic; recognize that soils vary in composition; describe where nutrients in soils come from; recognize that plants take up water and nutrients from the soil; and recognize that growing crops can deplete agricultural soil of nutrients.
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.