- Description
- Students examine soil structure, conduct tests to determine the physical and chemical properties of soils, and develop an understanding of the impact of soil properties on productivity.
- Prerequisite
- AGR1050: Plant Propagation
- Parameters
- Access to a science laboratory and/or equipment and a variety of soil samples.
Outcomes The student will:
1 describe the origin and composition of soils in Alberta
1.1 identify and describe factors that influence the formation of different kinds of soils; e.g., climate, living organisms, bedrock, topography, time
1.2 relate soil quality to the farming industry in an area
1.3 describe the major components of soil and their relationship to soil productivity; e.g., minerals, organic matter, air, water
1.4 discuss the soil orders of the Canadian System of Soil Classification; e.g., distinguishing characteristics, typical horizon sequences
2 identify physical properties of soils and describe their relationship to soil productivity
2.1 define soil texture and describe textural classes of soil
2.2 apply hand-texturing techniques to estimate the texture of a soil sample; e.g., moist cast test, ribbon test
2.3 define soil structure and describe factors that influence the formation of soil structure
2.4 identify different types of soil structures and relate soil structure to common soil horizons
2.5 explain the significance of colour as an indicator of soil conditions and identify descriptors used to indicate soil colour
2.6 interpret relationships between physical properties of soil and plant growth
3 identify chemical properties of soils and describe their relationship to soil productivity
3.1 describe the nature and development of acidic and alkaline soils
3.2 define and measure soil reaction (pH)
3.3 describe the effect of soil pH on plant growth and describe methods of adjusting soil pH
3.4 discuss the origin and characteristics of saline soils
3.5 describe the effect of soil salinity on plant growth and describe strategies for managing saline soils
4 demonstrate basic competencies
4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
4.1.1 communicate
4.1.2 manage information
4.1.3 use numbers
4.1.4 think and solve problems
4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
4.2.2 be responsible
4.2.3 be adaptable
4.2.4 learn continuously
4.2.5 work safely
4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
4.3.1 work with others
4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
5 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster
5.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment
5.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.