Lesson 5: Composting
Lesson 6: Soil Condition
Black soil and degraded soil: what the difference tells us
Soil condition tells us a lot about whether plants can grow well. In this video, we compare dark black soil with ordinary degraded soil to show how colour, texture and structure reveal the health of the land. Healthy soil is not just dirt, it is a living system that supports roots, stores water and feeds plants.
In this video you will learn how to recognise the difference between healthier soil and degraded soil. You will see why black soil often contains more organic matter and better soil life, while degraded soil may be dry, weak, compacted or low in nutrients. The video also explains why improving soil with compost, mulch and organic material gives young trees and crops a much better chance to survive.
Step 2. Do
This lesson has no required practical exercise for online students.
If you want to earn points, you can upload one of these:
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a short reflection about what KETSO Academy means to you
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a drawing or note about “Plant, Learn, Grow, Inspire”
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a short comment about how students can support each other
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a short comment about one child protection rule you think is important
Step 4. Reflect
Write what you learned about soil condition. Upload and AI will check your answers.​
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You can answer these questions:
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What does good soil look and feel like?
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What is the difference between healthy soil and degraded soil?
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Why is soil colour important?
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Why do roots need both water and air in the soil?
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What happens when soil is too hard, too sandy or waterlogged?
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What can worms tell us about soil condition?
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How can compost, mulch and organic matter improve soil?
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Which simple soil test did you find most useful?
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Online students should complete this lesson if they want to grow their score and show what they have learned.
Complete the lesson, upload your reflection and earn extra points.