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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

The phosphorus cycle

Phosphorus is a chemical element found on Earth in numerous compound forms, such as the phosphate ion (PO₄^3-), located in water, soil and sediments. The quantities of phosphorus in soil are ...

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ARTICLE

Fertiliser

Just as we have essential needs for our growth, plants also have essential needs for their survival. These include: sunlight air water nutrients appropriate temperature. As long as plants have ...

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Explore related activities

ACTIVITY

Growing soil microbes

In this activity, students investigate microbial presence in soil by building a habitat suitable for their growth. Known as Winogradsky columns, mud, newspaper and eggs create a variety of ...

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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

Observing earthworms

In this activity, students use observation to explore earthworm anatomy and the nature of science. By the end of this activity, students should be able to: identify various physical ...

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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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TEACHER PLD

Junior science

These science resources – written specifically for the junior school (level 1 and 2) develop science ideas about water; melting and freezing; solids, liquids and gases; bubbles; earthquakes ...

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TEACHER PLD

Science for juniors

In this online PD session recorded on 17 March 2016, Barb Ryan from the Science Learning Hub, explores resources suitable for children working at Levels 1 and 2. We look at resources from our ...

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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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Explore related videos

VIDEO

Phosphorus

Dr Ross Monaghan from AgResearch at Invermay in Otago explains the importance of phosphorus and then talks us through phosphorus cycle. Jargon alert Ross mentions that phosphorous is adsorbed 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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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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SLIDESHOW

Soil activities and science capabilities – slideshow

This is the edited recording of the Soil activities and science capabilities webinar. Use the Slideshow menu for further options, including view full screen, and go here for the download option ...

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INTERACTIVE

Common pasture plant species

New Zealand dairy farming is pastured-based. Discover a few of the commonly used plant species.

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