Title: Soil Health Assessment Using Ecological Indicators

Objective: To assess soil health using ecological indicators and determine the impact of different agricultural
practices on soil health.

Materials:

 Soil samples from two different fields (one field managed using ecological agriculture principles and
another field managed using conventional agricultural practices)
 Soil testing kit (pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium tests)
 Measuring cups and spoons
 Labels
 Notebook and pen

Procedure:

1. Collect soil samples from two different fields (one field managed using ecological agriculture principles
and another field managed using conventional agricultural practices). Label the samples accordingly.
2. Use the soil testing kit to test the pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels of each soil sample.
Record the results in a notebook.
3. Use the following ecological indicators to assess soil health:

 Earthworm population: Dig up a small section of each soil sample and count the number of earthworms
present. Record the results in the notebook.
 Soil organic matter: Collect a small amount of soil from each sample and weigh it. Place the soil in a
drying oven at 105°C for 24 hours. Weigh the soil again and calculate the percentage of weight loss.
This percentage represents the soil organic matter content. Record the results in the notebook.
 Soil texture: Take a small amount of soil from each sample and rub it between your fingers. Record the
soil texture (e.g., sandy, loamy, clay) in the notebook.

4. Analyze the results and compare the two soil samples. Which sample has better soil health? What are the
differences in the ecological indicators between the two samples? What impact do different agricultural
practices have on soil health?

Conclusion: Based on the results of the soil tests and ecological indicators, we can conclude that ecological
agriculture practices can have a positive impact on soil health. The soil sample from the ecological agriculture
field had higher levels of organic matter, a higher earthworm population, and a better soil texture compared to
the conventional agriculture field. This suggests that ecological agriculture practices can promote soil health
and fertility, leading to higher crop yields and a more sustainable agriculture system.

Laboratory No. 1: Biodiversity Observation in Ecological Agriculture

Objective: To observe and compare biodiversity in ecological agriculture fields and conventional agriculture
fields.

Materials:

 Notebook and pen

 Field guide to local plants and animals
 Binoculars (optional)

Procedure:

1. Visit an ecological agriculture field and a conventional agriculture field. Take note of the different crops
grown in each field.
2. Spend 10-15 minutes observing the plants and animals present in each field. Use the field guide to
identify any species that you are unfamiliar with.
3. Record your observations in the notebook. Pay attention to the following questions:

 How many different plant species can you see?

 How many different animal species can you see?
 Are there any signs of insect or bird activity?
 Are there any signs of plant or animal disease?
 What is the overall condition of the ecosystem in each field?

4. Analyze your observations and compare the two fields. Which field has greater biodiversity? What are
the differences in the types and numbers of species present? What impact do different agricultural
practices have on biodiversity?

Conclusion: Based on the observations, we can conclude that ecological agriculture practices can promote
greater biodiversity compared to conventional agriculture practices. The ecological agriculture field had a
greater variety of plants and animals, including several species of wildflowers and butterflies. In contrast, the
conventional agriculture field had a lower diversity of plant and animal species, and the ecosystem appeared to
be less healthy overall. This suggests that ecological agriculture practices can help to support healthy
ecosystems and promote sustainable agriculture.

A field guide is a book or other resource that provides information on identifying different species of plants and animals
found in a particular region or habitat. It can include photographs or illustrations of the species, as well as information on
their characteristics, behavior, and habitat preferences. Field guides are useful for identifying species that are unfamiliar or
difficult to recognize, and can be helpful in making detailed observations of biodiversity in different ecosystems. In this
laboratory activity, a field guide would be used to help identify plant and animal species present in the ecological
agriculture and conventional agriculture fields.

Field guide for ecological farming:

Introduction: Ecological farming is a sustainable agricultural approach that promotes the use of natural
resources and ecosystems to support crop production. This field guide provides an overview of some of the key
practices and principles of ecological farming, as well as some common species that can be found in ecological
farming systems.

Principles of Ecological Farming:

 Promote soil health and fertility through the use of cover crops, crop rotations, and organic amendments.
 Minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and instead rely on natural pest management
strategies.
 Maximize biodiversity by promoting habitat diversity, planting native species, and creating ecological
corridors.
 Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce pest populations and prevent damage to
crops.
 Use water resources efficiently, through practices like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.

Common Species Found in Ecological Farming:

 Ladybugs: These beneficial insects are natural predators of aphids and other pests that can damage
crops. They can be attracted to ecological farming systems by planting flowers and herbs that provide
nectar and pollen.
 Earthworms: These soil-dwelling creatures play an important role in promoting soil health and fertility,
by breaking down organic matter and improving soil structure.
 Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are essential for the production of many crops.
Ecological farming systems can support pollinators by planting native wildflowers and reducing
pesticide use.
 Cover crops: These are crops that are planted specifically to improve soil health and fertility, by adding
organic matter and nitrogen to the soil. Common cover crops include clover, buckwheat, and rye.
 Beneficial microorganisms: These microscopic creatures can help to improve soil health and nutrient
cycling. They can be added to ecological farming systems through the use of compost and other organic
amendments.

Conclusion: Ecological farming is a sustainable agricultural approach that emphasizes the use of natural
resources and ecosystems to support crop production. By promoting soil health and biodiversity, and
minimizing the use of synthetic inputs, ecological farming can help to support healthy ecosystems and promote
sustainable agriculture.