Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3
FARMING SYSTEMS
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
FARMING SYSTEMS
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Science
Class: JHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Grade code: B9.3.4.1.3
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 4
Content standard code: B9.3.4.1
Indicator code: B9.3.4.1.3
Theme: SYSTEMS
Subtheme: FARMING SYSTEMS
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
In Ghana, many farmers depend on the soil for crops like maize, cassava, vegetables and rice. When soil nutrients reduce, yields become low and food becomes expensive. One affordable and environmentally friendly way to improve soil fertility is to prepare manure from plant and animal wastes (e.g., poultry droppings, cow dung, kitchen waste, dry leaves). This lesson trains learners to treat wastes properly (sorting/cleaning, curing/composting) to produce safe, effective manure for school gardens and home farms.
2.1 Meaning of Manure Manure is a natural fertiliser made from decomposed plant and/or animal materials added to soil to improve: Soil fertility (adds nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) Soil structure (makes soil crumbly and easy for roots to grow) Water-holding capacity (helps soil retain moisture) Soil organisms (supports earthworms and beneficial microbes) 2.2 Types of Manure (Focus on “Prepare different types”) At JHS level, we focus on manure that learners can prepare in school/community: Compost manure (plant-based or mixed compost) Made by decomposing plant wastes (dry leaves, grass, weeds) and sometimes animal wastes (poultry droppings, cow dung). Prepared in a heap or pit. Cured animal manure (e.g., poultry manure, cow dung, goat/sheep droppings) Animal droppings are aged/cured before use to reduce heat, smell, and harmful organisms. Often mixed with dry plant material (sawdust, dry leaves) to improve quality. Liquid manure (manure tea) Nutrients are extracted by soaking cured manure/compost in water. Used for vegetables as a liquid feed (must be well-prepared to avoid burning plants).
> Note: Fresh droppings are usually “hot” (high in ammonia) and may burn crops or carry pathogens; curing/composting makes them safer.
2.3 Why We Must Treat Wastes Before Making Manure Treatment includes sorting/cleaning and curing/composting. (A) Sorting/Cleaning Remove materials that do not decompose well or are harmful: Plastics, polythene, metals, glass, batteries Diseased plant parts (seriously infected) Chemicals/painted wood Human faeces (unsafe—can spread disease)
Reason: These can contaminate manure, harm soil, or cause injury. (B) Curing/Composting This is controlled decomposition by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). Benefits: Kills many weed seeds and harmful germs (heat produced) Reduces bad smell Produces stable nutrients that plants can use Makes manure easier to handle and apply