Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN AGRICULTURE
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PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN AGRICULTURE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Agriculture
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Grade code: 3.3.2.LI.3
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.3.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.3.2.LI.3
Theme: CONCEPTS OF AGRICULTURE IN AN INDUSTRIALIZING SOCIETY
Subtheme: PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN AGRICULTURE
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Welcome, students. Today, we are discussing a topic that is fundamental to our survival and our nation's prosperity: Soil Erosion. In Ghana, from the coastal plains to the northern savannahs, the soil is our most valuable asset for farming. However, every time it rains heavily or the Harmattan winds blow strongly, we risk losing this precious resource. Have you ever seen muddy water rushing down a drain after a storm, or noticed deep cuts (gullies) forming by the roadside or on a farm? That is soil erosion in action.
This section breaks down the core content you need to understand. We will go through it step-by-step. A. What is Soil Erosion?
Definition: Soil erosion is the process of detachment (loosening) and transportation (movement) of the topsoil from one place to another by natural agents. Topsoil: This is the most important layer for agriculture. It is rich in nutrients, organic matter, and microorganisms that plants need to grow. When we lose topsoil, we lose the fertility of the land.
There are two broad categories of erosion: Geological Erosion (Natural Erosion): This is a very slow, natural process that occurs over centuries. It is responsible for shaping landscapes like mountains and valleys. It is generally in balance with soil formation. Accelerated Erosion: This is a much faster process, primarily caused or worsened by human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, improper farming techniques (like ploughing down a slope), and construction. This is the type of erosion we are most concerned about in agriculture. B. Agents of Soil Erosion
The two main natural agents that cause soil erosion are Water and Wind. Water: The most common agent of erosion in most parts of Ghana, especially in the forest and transitional zones where rainfall is high. The erosive power of water depends on the rainfall intensity, duration, slope of the land, and soil type. Wind: A major agent of erosion in arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions of Ghana, particularly during the dry Harmattan season when vegetation cover is sparse. C. Types of Water Erosion