GRADE 11 TOPIC: SOIL SYSTEMS, TERRESTRIAL FOOD LESSON NO: 5

PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, AND SOCIETIES Date: 23.09.2020

LEARNING CONTEXT  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.

 Fertile soil is a non-renewable resource

LEARNING Draw the soil profile

OBJECTIVE Describe the inputs, storages and out puts of soil
Describe soil as a system
Use the soil triangle to establish the soil type

SYSTEMS APPROACH Soils are a major component of the world’s ecosystems (Figure 5.1). They form at the interface of the
Earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere (rocks), biosphere (living matter) and hydrosphere (water). Soils form
the outermost layer of the Earth’s surface, and comprise weathered bedrock (regolith), organic matter
(both dead and alive), air, and water

Soil system storages include organic matter, organisms, nutrients, minerals, air, and water. Thus, soil
has matter in all three states:
●● organic and inorganic matter form the solid state
●● soil water (from precipitation, groundwater, and seepage) forms the liquid state
●● soil atmosphere forms the gaseous state

ENVIRONMENTAL
VALUE SYSTEM:
EQUILBRIUM:
SUSTAINABILITY:
LEARNING  ●● The soil system may be illustrated by a soil profile that has a layered structure (horizons).
INTENTIONS. SKILLS ●● Soil system storages include organic matter, organisms, nutrients, minerals, air, and water.

●●Transfers of material within the soil including biological mixing and leaching (minerals
dissolved in water moving through soil) contribute to the organization of the soil.

There are inputs of organic material including leaf litter and inorganic matter from parent
●●

material, precipitation, and energy. Outputs include uptake by plants and soil erosion.

●● Transformations include decomposition, weathering, and nutrient cycling.

●●The structure and properties of sand, clay, and loam soils differ in many ways, including:
mineral and nutrient content, drainage, water-holding capacity, air spaces, biota, and potential
to hold organic matter. Each of these variables is linked to the ability of the soil to promote
primary productivity.

●● A soil texture triangle illustrates the differences in composition of soils

METHOD: INQUIRY BASED LEARNING

RESOURCES
LESSON BREAK DOWN
Web: Activity Links and resources
Students activity
Textbook: Engage Discuss the Introductory
ESS TEXT BOOK video: I am soil! Video
In Thinking Site    1.   Soil formation processes
Britannica site LAB - Make your own soil
What is soil?
profile
Complete the following
Explore Web link
diagram by annotating as we
learn about soil profiles and the
Soil - the
horizons
basics
   2.   Soil profile to annotate
   3.   Introduction to soil Soil horizons
systems
Use this to learn the vocabulary 10 things you
Explain QUIZLET - Introduction to soil should know about
systems terminology soil
  4. Soil formation and profiles
Before you actually get your
hand dirty you will get to do
virtual soil analysis, using an
online simulation.  Go to the
following website and create a
log in:
Determining soil
type Weblink
 Amrita Online lab
How does
From here you will go to
climate
Biology / Study of physical
affect
properties of soil.  Here you
weathering
will find the study material, lab,
animations, simulations, videos
Video
and a test.  Work your way
Soil texture
through to become familiar with
Elaboration
the soil tests.
   4.   Soil texture triangle
activity
Homework
MOVIE NIGHT - Dirt! - The
movie
EVALUATION(students
reflect on their
knowledge)