Dec. 6 – Agriculture and Soil

Learning Goals: Understand the difference between agroecosystems and natural ecosystems.

Success Criteria: You can describe the differences between agroecosystems and natural ecosystems.

Handouts:

• Engineered Ecosystems
• Managing Soil

Humans have a huge impact on our ecosystems.  We modify the world around us to fit our needs and we even create our own ecosystems (farms) to grow food.  These are called agroecosystems.  Many of the plants and animals grown in Canada are not native to Canada.  Here are some examples: 

Most food we eat is not native to Ontario.

Have a look at the handout to see ways that people manage the ecosystems to grow these non-native species.

A typical Ontario farm.

Monocultures refer to the practice of growing only one species on a farm.

Vineyards are popular in the Niagara region growing only grapes.

Next we discussed soil and the use of fertilizers (see the handouts).

Natural fertilizer comes from animals and plant.

Many farms and homes use synthetic fertilizers with different mix of nutrients.

You should know about the impacts on land and water from using natural and synthetic fertilizers.

Homework: Work on and complete your assignment!  It is due on Tuesday.