Explanation should include

identifying the physical and chemical properties of soil, including organic matter, macronutrient, and micronutrient availability
describing how soil quality directly affects water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, plant growth, and crop production
explaining how to improve soil quality
analyzing a plot of land to determine which soil management techniques would be most applicable
identifying the planned use of the soil
evaluating soil management practices (e.g., no-till farming, cover crops, addition of organic matter)
using regenerative agriculture practices such as multispecies cover crops and soil carbon monitoring
devising a soil management plan to minimize erosion and maximize biodiversity, plant productivity, and the formation of topsoil.

Process/Skill Questions:

What types of data, information, and results are provided in a soil analysis?
What is the difference between chemical, physical, and biological aspects of the soil?
Why is lime applied to land? Sulfur?
Why is prior knowledge of plant species important for nutrient recommendations?
How often should one take a soil sample of one’s land if one wants to grow vegetable or graze crops?
How does one best support biological health and diversity in soil?
What is the effect of soil pH on plant growth?
Why is soil biology important to soil quality?
What are the major nutrients needed for plant growth?
How can one use the information provided in a soil analysis to properly manage the soil and/or land?
How does maintenance and enhancement of soil quality maintain maximum efficiency in crop productivity over time?
What positive effects does organic matter have on soil?
What soil conservation methods are available?
What is the estimated cost for implementing best management practices in a given location?
What are the environmental costs to not using best management practices for a given area?
What causes the soil to be depleted of nutrients needed for plant growth and development?

Teacher Resources: