Title: (Optional) Devise a soil-management plan to minimize erosion and maximize biodiversity, plant productivity, and the formation of topsoil.
Course: Agricultural Production Technology (18301-I) > Section: Using Soil Science in Agricultural Production

Devising a soil-management plan should encompass practices that improve soil performance, to include

- defining soil management plan
- adding organic matter
- avoiding excessive tillage and soil compaction
- managing pests and nutrients efficiently
- utilizing ground covers
- increasing plant diversity
- reintroducing native grasses
- increasing root system health
- monitoring soil performance
- managing animal stocking rate and grazing.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is a soil management plan?
- How does the addition of organic matter improve soil performance?
- What is soil quality?
- How does excessive tillage affect soil quality?
- How is soil performance monitored?
- How does stocking rate and grazing management influence pasture health?

Teacher Resource:

Soil Health Management Recommendations: Virginia, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA