Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3
FARMING SYSTEMS
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FARMING SYSTEMS
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Science
Class: JHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Grade code: B9.3.4.1.2
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 4
Content standard code: B9.3.4.1
Indicator code: B9.3.4.1.2
Theme: SYSTEMS
Subtheme: FARMING SYSTEMS
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Farming systems in Ghana depend greatly on how farmers maintain soil fertility. Many communities use plant and animal wastes (e.g., cassava peels, maize stalks, poultry droppings, cow dung) to prepare manure/compost instead of relying only on expensive chemical fertilisers. Learning to prepare different types of manure helps learners support home gardens, school farms, and community farms, while also reducing waste and protecting the environment.
A. Key Terms Manure: Organic material (mainly animal droppings and decomposed plant matter) added to soil to improve fertility. Compost: Manure made mainly from decomposed plant materials (often mixed with animal waste) under controlled conditions. Decomposition: Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) into simpler substances. Microorganisms: Tiny living things (e.g., bacteria, fungi) that help break down wastes to form manure. Aerobic decomposition: Decomposition with oxygen (needs turning/mixing). Anaerobic decomposition: Decomposition without oxygen (often produces strong smell; occurs in sealed pits or biogas digesters). C:N ratio (Carbon to Nitrogen balance): A way of balancing “brown” materials (carbon-rich) with “green” materials (nitrogen-rich) for faster composting. B. Why Manure is Important in Farming Systems (Ghana context) Manure: Adds nutrients (N, P, K and micronutrients) to soil. Improves soil structure (soil becomes crumbly and holds water well). Increases soil organisms (earthworms and beneficial microbes). Reduces the cost of farming by using locally available wastes. Helps manage waste and reduces pollution from dumping. C. Types of Materials Used (Local Examples) 1) “Green” nitrogen-rich materials (fast rotting): Fresh grass, weeds (not with mature seeds) Vegetable leaves, kitchen scraps (not oily foods) Legume leaves (cowpea, groundnut leaves) Poultry droppings, goat/sheep droppings, cow dung (also nitrogen-rich)
2) “Brown” carbon-rich materials (slow rotting): Dry leaves, straw, maize stalks, rice husk Sawdust (small amounts), shredded paper/cardboard (not glossy) Dry plantain leaves
3) Other helpful materials: Topsoil: introduces microorganisms Wood ash (small amount): adds potassium; reduces acidity Water: moisture for microbes
> Safety note: Avoid adding plastics, metals, glass, chemicals, batteries, or faeces from humans/dogs/cats (can spread disease).