Soils and Land use
Essential Topics
I.
Basic Soils Knowledge
a. Formation
b. Drainage
c. Soil horizons
d. Hands-on investigation
e. Soil quality
II.
Understanding Maps, Surveys and Landforms
a. Soil survey maps
b. Topographic maps
c. Landforms and geologic terms
III.
Land Use
a. Agriculture and conservation practices
b. Current environmental concerns and land use issues
c. History was affected by soils
b. Remediation from pollution
c. Identification and benefits of wetlands
IV.
Decision-Making and Protection of Soils
a. Scenarios
b. Actions at home and at school
Learning Objectives
Envirothon students will be able to:
I.
Basic Soils Knowledge
a. Recognize basic soil forming factors.
b. Evaluate and explain the drainage properties of soils.
c. Explain ways in which polluted soils may be renovated.
d. Explain the concept and characteristics of soil horizons.
e. Identify and describe soil types and soil properties with hands-on investigation of:
f.
1. soil samples (includes soil texture)
2. soil profiles, soil pits and /or soil monoliths
3. soil structure
4. soil pH
5. soil color
Soil biology and organic matter.
g. Learn to recognize landforms.
2.
Understanding Maps and Surveys
a. Utilize a Soil Survey in determining soil properties and limitations for specific sites.
b. Understand and interpret geographical information from topographic maps.
3.
Land use
a. Describe possible environmental impacts of agriculture.
b. Explain and discuss current soil and land use related concerns in Pennsylvania such as:
1. Erosion
2. Soil pollution
3. Urban sprawl
4. Loss of farmland
c. Explain the complexity of land use issues using examples of people, organizations, environmental
concerns and demands.
d. Explain the historical perspective of land use and soil erosion in the U.S.
4.
Decision-Making and Protection of Soils
a. Apply knowledge of soil, environmental impacts, economics, human demands, and
b. Given data for a proposed scenario in making environmentally sound land use decisions.
c. Discuss ways to help protect the soil and land of Pennsylvania.