Pasture and soil

Soil – it’s much more than dirt. Soil keeps us alive. Without soil, we would be hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless and breathless.

It is important in science to not only build students’ knowledge and understanding of science but to support them to make connections between science concepts and the world around them. Soil and pasture is an ideal context for this as it links to many other aspects of science as well as global and local issues such as growing food and farming practices.

• Pasture plants – article

• Common pasture plant species – interactive

• Observing pasture composition – activity

• Measuring pasture mass – activity

• Soil, farming and science – introduction – article

• Managing nutrients – article

• What makes up soil? – activity

• The role of clover – article

• The nitrogen cycle – article

• Nutrient pollution – activity

• Water and nutrient leaching – activity

The students thought ‘dirt’ was pretty boring until their eyes were opened to ‘soil’ and what lies beneath the ground. They were fascinated to discover roots, glass, worms and clay. What made a huge impact on them was how important soil is to us and the world in which we live.