5. Soil systems and society

5.1 Introduction to soil systems

Significant ideas: The soil system is a dynamic ecosystem that has inputs, outputs, storages and flows. The quality of soil influences the primary productivity of an area.

Resources:

Power points	Case Studies	Activities	Useful Links
T5.1 Introduction to soil systems		Investigating soils ( Texture)(Lab) Soil texture Activity  Investigating soil moisture and fertility Percolation Rate (Lab) Investigating soil porosity (Lab) How to measure Infiltration?( Lab) Soil Erosion experiment( Lab) How to measure the erosion rate in a soil with high concentration of salts ( Lab)	Soil Basics Soil Types The dirt on soil Soil and Soil Dynamics- Bozeman science Understanding Soil Types and Soil Texture (test your own soil) Soil texture by feel- video

5.2 Terrestrial food production systems and food choices

Significant ideas: The sustainability of terrestrial food production systems is influenced by sociopolitical, economic and ecological factors. Consumers have a role to play through their support of different terrestrial food production systems. The supply of food is inequitably available and land suitable for food production is unevenly distributed among societies, and this can lead to conflict and concerns.

Resources:

Power points	Case Studies	Activities	Useful Links
T5.2 Terrestrial food production systems and food choices	Ten things you should know about soil Changes in the Rural Landscape Subsistence farming in the lower Ganges Valley, India [Case study: Increasing farm production Subsistence Rice Farming in the Ganges Valley, India ( the farm as a system)] Commercial farming in the Canadian Prairies	Farming System Comparison essay Food Miles Comparison Analysis	2019-Hunger Map The carbon opportunity cost of animal-sourced food production on land Could insects be the wonder food of the future? Feeding 9 Billions-National Geographic How much does meat actually cost?

5.3 Soil degradation and conservation

Significant ideas: Fertile soils require significant time to develop through the process of succession. Human activities may reduce soil fertility and increase soil erosion. Soil conservation strategies exist and may be used to preserve soil fertility and reduce soil erosion

Resources:

Power points	Case Studies	Activities	Useful Links
T 5.3 Soil degradation and Conservation	Case study highlighting soil mismanagement and conservation techniques		Soil Erosion and degradation -WWF Soil Health Management Using Agroforestry to Save the Planet A Culture of Conservation: Don't Call it Dirt - A Passion for Soil