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Creating the Perfect Plan
Lesson: 2.20
Level:
Intermediate
Station: Soil Management
Format: Essential Skill
Rating:
Intermediate Lesson 2.20 Switch

Lesson Overview

Nutrient depletion is a constant threat in any garden. In this lesson, students will learn to test the soil to identify which nutrients need to be replenished and learn how to achieve the results they need with amendments.

Goals

  • Students will be able to describe the benefits of crop rotation and the impact of plant production on soil nutrient levels.

Outcomes

Students will measure nutrient depletion in the soil after harvests in order to determine the best variety to plant in rotation to restore the soil balance.

Teach the Teacher

Tools & Materials

  • Soil testing kit
  • Crop Rotation Plan spreadsheet
  • Raised planters or garden beds
  • Seeds or starts

Activity

You know the problem with mono-cropping? Well, there are countless problems with growing a single crop year after year in the same soil. And nutrient depletion is one of them.

Understanding the impact that crop rotation and soil amendments will have on the nutrient profile of the soil is imperative to maintaining a proper balance. After each planting, some nutrients are depleted and others are replenished.

Skilled growers monitor the impacts and use specific crop selections to maintain vitality in the soil.

Expand the crop rotation plan by considering anticipated fluctuations in nutrient levels following each harvest and soil amendment. For example, some plants may deplete nitrogen while others fix it in the soil. Perform soil tests between plantings and amendments to confirm your assumptions and measure any changes to nutrient levels that result. Record your findings in the Crop Rotation Plan.

Related Lessons

Give the Advanced lesson a try now that you’ve completed the Intermediate Lesson! Or revisit the Beginner Lesson as needed.

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