(Optional) Devise a soil-management plan to minimize erosion and maximize biodiversity, plant productivity, and the formation of topsoil.

Devising a soil-management plan should encompass practices that improve soil performance, to include

• defining soil management plan
• adding organic matter
• avoiding excessive tillage and soil compaction
• managing pests and nutrients efficiently
• utilizing ground covers
• increasing plant diversity
• reintroducing native grasses
• increasing root system health
• monitoring soil performance
• managing animal stocking rate and grazing.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is a soil management plan?
• How does the addition of organic matter improve soil performance?
• What is soil quality?
• How does excessive tillage affect soil quality?
• How is soil performance monitored?
• How does stocking rate and grazing management influence pasture health?

Teacher Resource:

Soil Health Management Recommendations: Virginia Links to an external site., Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA