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Soil, farming and science – introduction

What do soil, farming and science have to do with each other? Actually, they are inextricably related. For centuries, humans have used science to improve soil productivity and crop yields. The ...

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ARTICLE

Farming and the environment – timeline

Use this timeline to to find out about some key dates relating to discoveries about farming and the environment in New Zealand. 800–1200 – People occupy New Zealand New Zealand is covered in ...

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ARTICLE

Our Land and Water National Science Challenge

Farming is a way of life in New Zealand – about half the country’s land is used for primary production. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise reports that New Zealand-grown produce feeds over 40 ...

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ACTIVITY

Farming and environmental issues

In this activity, students explore ethical issues related to farming and environmental pollution. They learn about the science involved and the range of perspectives among stakeholders. By the ...

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ACTIVITY

Liming paddocks

In this activity, students measure the pH of soil collected from a paddock. This will be used to estimate the amount of agricultural lime needed to promote good grass growth. By the end of this ...

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Explore related citizen science projects

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

The Great Kiwi Earthworm Survey

Earthworms are useful indicators of soil health. This project aims to capture information on earthworm abundance and species distribution throughout New Zealand. Information provided will be used ...

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CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

Myrtle Rust Reporter

Myrtle rust is a serious biosecurity threat, and help is needed to monitor its spread. This citizen science project aims to gather information on the location, hosts and intensity of this fungal ...

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CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

Global Earth Challenge

Be part of a worldwide movement and use Global Earth Challenge to submit or classify photos to help our planet’s environment and human health. Global Earth Challenge is a citizen science campaign ...

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TEACHER PLD

Planet Earth and Beyond – Soil

Soil – it’s much more than dirt. Soil keeps us alive. Without soil, we would be hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless and breathless. Soils differ from location to location and are a range of colours ...

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TEACHER PLD

Agriculture and horticulture

This online PD session recorded on 3 June 2015 introduces agriculture and horticulture teachers to resources on the Science Learning Hub that support three particular aspects – soils, plant ...

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TEACHER PLD

Gaming for learning

Games have long been used for developing both skills and knowledge in the education sector. As digital technologies continue to develop, the range of digital learning games also continues to ...

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VIDEO

Fertilisers

Dr Ross Monaghan from AgResearch at Invermay in Otago talks about fertilisers – what they are and why they are used on farms. Point of interest: Ross talks about using a nutrient budget for ...

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VIDEO

Managing the nutrient problem

Dr Ross Monaghan from AgResearch at Invermay in Otago talks about various practices that can be employed to manage nutrient losses from becoming a problem on farmland.

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VIDEO

Ian Yule – Aerial Scanning for Pasture Analysis

Professor Ian Yule, Massey University, is interested in precision agriculture sensing. He has developed a number of tools for the market. Here, Ian and Massey University, Commercialisation and IP ...

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Explore related interactives

INTERACTIVE

The terrestrial nitrogen cycle

An interactive showing the main components of the terrestrial nitrogen cycle. Select one of the buttons to find out more. Go here to view the full transcript and copyright information.

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INTERACTIVE

Navigating the Kiwi Kai online learning tool

This interactive provides a quick start guide with key information to get started playing and facilitating Kiwi Kai’s virtual farm. We recommend starting with the Quick start guide. Select here ...

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INTERACTIVE

Magma Drillers Save Planet Earth – resources

This interactive introduces and houses resources developed by Magma Drillers Save Planet Earth – a University of Canterbury project funded by Curious Minds. Select here to view the full ...

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