Maintaining Soil Fertility: Bush Fallowing (Primary 4)

• Class: Primary 4
• Term: 2nd Term
• Week: 10
• Age: 9 years
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
• Curriculum Theme: Agricultural Science
• Previous Lesson: Maintaining Soil Fertility: Crop Rotation
• Topic: Maintaining Soil Fertility: Bush Fallowing
• Content: Meaning Of Bush Fallowing

Performance Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Cognitive domain: Define bush fallowing and explain how it helps in maintaining soil fertility.
• Affective domain: Express positive attitudes toward the importance of soil conservation practices.
• Psychomotor domain: Demonstrate an understanding of the bush fallowing process by drawing a simple diagram of the technique.
• Social domain: Work together to discuss the benefits of bush fallowing for the environment.

Reference Materials:

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
• NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
• Online Information from: Oxford Reference – Bush fallowing
• Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials:

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A whiteboard and markers
• A chart or pictures showing different stages of bush fallowing
• A textbook on Agricultural Science

Rationale for the Lesson:

Understanding bush fallowing is important as it teaches pupils how natural practices can help maintain soil fertility. This knowledge is vital in ensuring sustainable farming and protecting the environment.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of soil and farming practices, as well as an understanding of crop rotation from previous lessons.

Instructional Procedures:

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Lesson Content:

Maintaining Soil Fertility: Bush Fallowing

Bush fallowing is a farming method where land is left to rest for a period to regain its fertility. This means that the soil is given time to recover after being used for planting crops, allowing nutrients to replenish.

How Bush Fallowing Helps Maintain Soil Fertility:

1. Soil Recovery: After continuous use, the soil becomes less fertile. Bush fallowing allows the soil to regain its nutrients naturally without the need for artificial fertilizers.
2. Prevents Soil Erosion: When the land is left undisturbed, the topsoil remains intact, preventing erosion by wind and water.
3. Improves Soil Structure: The decaying plants in the bush provide organic matter, which helps improve the soil’s structure and its ability to hold water.
4. Increases Crop Yield: By giving the land time to rest, future crops grow better, leading to higher yields.

Lesson Evaluation:

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

1. Define bush fallowing in their own words.
2. Explain how bush fallowing helps to maintain soil fertility.
3. Name one benefit of bush fallowing for the soil.
4. Describe what happens to the soil during the bush fallowing process.
5. Share an example of when bush fallowing can be used in farming.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan:

Ensure that pupils understand the connection between bush fallowing and soil fertility. Use visuals such as pictures or diagrams to help explain the process. Encourage pupils to think about the benefits in their local farming context. Happy teaching!