Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN AGRICULTURE
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PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN AGRICULTURE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Agriculture
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Grade code: 3.3.2.LI.2
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.3.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.3.2.LI.2
Theme: CONCEPTS OF AGRICULTURE IN AN INDUSTRIALIZING SOCIETY
Subtheme: PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN AGRICULTURE
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This lesson focuses on one of the most critical resources in farming: soil water. In Ghana, where agriculture is the backbone of our economy and heavily reliant on rainfall, understanding how water behaves in the soil is crucial for every farmer. Whether it is a cocoa farmer in the Ahafo Region dealing with heavy rains or a vegetable farmer near Bawku managing water during the dry Harmattan season, knowledge of soil water helps in making smart decisions. It allows us to conserve water, ensure our crops get what they need to thrive, and ultimately improve our yields. This lesson will move beyond simply knowing that plants need water.
A. What is Soil Water?
Soil water is the water that is held in the spaces, or pores, between soil particles (sand, silt, and clay) and in the thin films covering these particles. It is the primary source of water for plants that are not grown in water (hydroponics).
Think of soil as a sponge. When it rains or you irrigate, the sponge soaks up water. Not all of this water stays, and not all that stays can be used. We will now look at the three forms this water takes. B. The Three Types of Soil Water
Imagine a single soil particle. The water around it can be classified into three "zones" or types based on how strongly it is held by the soil. Gravitational Water Description: This is water that moves freely downwards through the soil under the pull of gravity. It is held in the large pore spaces (macropores) of the soil. Analogy: Think of pouring water into a basket of gari. A lot of the water will quickly drain out from the bottom. That draining water is like gravitational water. Availability to Plants: It is generally unavailable for plant use because it drains away from the root zone too quickly (within 2-3 days after heavy rain). Importance/Impact: Negative: Too much gravitational water leads to waterlogging, where the soil pores are filled with water, pushing out air. This suffocates plant roots and can kill the plant. Negative: As it drains, it can carry dissolved nutrients (like nitrates) down with it, away from the plant roots. This process is called leaching. Positive: It is responsible for recharging groundwater sources like boreholes and wells.