- Description
- Students study appropriate soil testing and amending techniques and learn to interpret soil survey maps and reports.
- Prerequisite
- AGR2120: Soils Management 1
- Parameters
- Access to a science laboratory and land laboratory.
Outcomes The student will:
1 select appropriate fertilization techniques based on an analysis of the nutrient requirements of plants
1.1 list the names and sources of essential micronutrients and macronutrients for plants
1.2 describe soil colloids and their role in storing and releasing plant nutrients
1.3 identify major fertilizer nutrients and describe their benefits to plant growth
1.4 distinguish between natural and synthetic fertilizers and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each
1.5 define fertilizer grade and give examples of commonly used grades
1.6 describe the pros and cons of specialty fertilizer products
1.7 describe common methods of fertilizer application
1.8 calculate an appropriate amount and blend of fertilizer based upon plant nutrient requirements
2 demonstrate appropriate soil sampling techniques and interpret soil test reports
2.1 identify reasons for soil testing
2.2 identify major soil nutrients and soil quality factors evaluated through a soil test
2.3 describe the steps involved in conducting a soil test, including:
2.3.1 soil sampling
2.3.2 laboratory analysis
2.3.3 interpretation of results
2.4 demonstrate accurate soil sampling techniques
2.5 describe the major elements of a soil test report, including:
2.5.1 soil and cropping information
2.5.2 fertilizer recommendations
2.5.3 soil analysis results
2.5.4 yield increase data
2.6 interpret a soil test report
3 describe the legal location of a parcel of land, using the Dominion Land Survey (Western Grid Survey System)
3.1 identify and describe components of the Dominion Land Survey (Western Grid Survey System), including:
3.1.1 lines of latitude and longitude
3.1.2 townships and ranges
3.1.3 sections and legal subdivisions
3.1.4 roads
3.2 identify the area of a parcel of land based upon information provided through its legal land description
3.3 provide reasons for correction lines, partial sections and acreage anomalies
3.4 locate a specific parcel of land on a soil map by applying knowledge of its legal land description
4 read and interpret soil survey maps and reports
4.1 describe key components of the Canada Land Inventory (CLI) system, including:
4.1.1 soil classes and subclasses
4.1.2 climatic subregions
4.2 describe the agricultural capacity of a given piece of land by interpreting a CLI Soil Capability for Agriculture map
4.3 describe the strengths and limitations of information provided through CLI maps in establishing agriculture management and conservation practices
4.4 describe the nature and purpose of information conveyed through a soil survey map and report, including:
4.4.1 overview of natural environment
4.4.2 classification of soils
4.4.3 potential land use
4.5 identify and explain components of a soil survey map, including:
4.5.1 map units
4.5.2 map legend
4.5.3 map symbols
4.5.4 reference section
4.5.5 key map
4.6 interpret a soil survey map and report
5 demonstrate basic competencies
5.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
5.1.1 communicate
5.1.2 manage information
5.1.3 use numbers
5.1.4 think and solve problems
5.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
5.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
5.2.2 be responsible
5.2.3 be adaptable
5.2.4 learn continuously
5.2.5 work safely
5.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
5.3.1 work with others
5.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
6 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
6.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
6.2 identify steps to achieve goals
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.