Lesson 5 - Testing the Soil
You will learn how to assess soils based on their physical and chemical attributes. They will understand the links between soil health/quality and
the productivity of the land.
Through investigation, you will also gain an understanding of problems that can be associated with poor soil health/quality.
Discover how digital technologies can be used in conjunction with traditional tests to provide accurate information online. Also, you’ll perform soil tests to assess soil health/quality.
LEARN
ACTIVITY 5.1
What is Soil? The Physical Attributes of Soil
Access Activity from the DO section.
ACTIVITY 5.2
Soil’s Chemical Underbelly
Worksheet 5.2a – Soil’s Chemical Underbelly WebQuest
ACTIVITY 5.3
Map Our Soils
Access Activity from the DO section.
ACTIVITY 5.4
Soils and Productivity
Worksheet 5.4a – Soils, Food and Fibre – Production
Worksheet 5.4b – Soils, Food and Fibre – Land Management Case Studies
VIEW
1
Introduction to Soil part 2 (0:00 – 3:21)
3
Home Soil Science (6:40)
7
What Is The pH Scale (3:10)
8
10
Cation Exchange (5:48)
14
15
16
Whole Farm Nutrient Mapping (3:24)
17
Soil fertility mapping (4:56)
DO
ACTIVITY 5.1
What is Soil? The Physical Attributes of Soil
Worksheet 5.1a – Observation of Physical Soil Properties
Worksheet 5.1b – Soil Textural Analysis
ACTIVITY 5.3
Map Our Soils
Worksheet 5.3a – Map Our Soils – Soils Practical Investigation
Worksheet 5.3b – Map Our Soils – Report