Ways Of Maintaining Soil Fertility: Fertilizer (Primary 4)

Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 7
Age: 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
Curriculum Theme: Agricultural Science
Previous Lesson: Causes Of Soil Fertility Reduction: Erosion
Topic: Ways Of Maintaining Soil Fertility: Fertilizer
Content: Ways to make soil fertile to grow crops: addition of fertilizer

Performance Objectives

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

• Cognitive Domain: Explain ways to maintain soil fertility using fertilizer.
• Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of maintaining soil fertility in crop production.
• Psychomotor Domain: Demonstrate the process of adding fertilizer to soil.
• Social Domain: Discuss how improving soil fertility benefits the community.

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: GeoPard – How to Make the Soil Fertile? Method to Improve Fertility
• Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Samples of fertilizers (e.g., NPK, urea).
• Organic manure (e.g., cow dung, poultry droppings).
• Charts showing different types of fertilizers and their benefits.
• A bowl of soil for demonstration.

Rationale for the Lesson

Maintaining soil fertility is crucial for successful farming and food production. Understanding how fertilizers improve soil ensures sustainable crop yield and supports food security.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned about the causes of soil fertility reduction, such as erosion, and understand its effects on crop production.

Instructional Procedures

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

Lesson Content

Ways Of Maintaining Soil Fertility: Fertilizer

Maintaining soil fertility is important for growing healthy crops. One way to maintain soil fertility is by adding fertilizer to the soil. Fertilizers provide nutrients that crops need to grow.

1. Inorganic Fertilizers: These are chemical fertilizers like NPK and urea. They supply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil.
2. Organic Fertilizers: These include natural materials like cow dung and poultry droppings. They improve soil structure and fertility over time.
3. Application: Fertilizers are added to the soil in the right amounts to avoid damaging crops.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

1. Define soil fertility.
2. List two types of fertilizers.
3. State one benefit of organic fertilizers.
4. Explain how fertilizers improve soil fertility.
5. Demonstrate the process of adding fertilizer to soil.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Ensure that pupils understand the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers. Use real-life examples of how farmers improve soil fertility in your community to make the lesson relatable. Encourage pupils to ask questions and participate actively. Happy teaching!