4-H Soil & Soil Conservation Project

two female youth inspecting a plant in a pasture

Soil is an essential resource for growing our food and fiber, and providing space for our recreational activities. In this project area, members can investigate the importance of soil to the ecosystem and agriculture production, and explore how human and natural activities impact soil characteristics and health.

Ages and Stages of Youth Development

Beginners

Beginners can differentiate between soil textures, describe different types of erosion, and explain why soil is important to everyone.

Juniors

Juniors can determine the texture of a sample of soil, recognize the properties of different soil types, and describe methods of soil conservation.

Seniors

Senior should be advancing their knowledge from a junior level, and should also be able to use and understand web soil survey reports.

4-H Programming Priorities

Leadership

In this project, members can develop as leaders while teaching others about soil conservation and helping promote sustainable practices.

Health & Wellness

Composting and gardening is a great way to encourage youth to enjoy time being physically active outdoors while producing healthy foods.

Science

This project area requires scientific thinking when measuring quantities nutrients and contaminants of soil and conducting experiments to compare soils.

Agriculture

Soil is the foundation for agriculture, and in order to raise crops and feed for our livestock we need to be knowledgeable about soil management.

Get Involved

two green conversation bubbles

Youth Voice

  • Illustrated talk on different soil characteristics
  • Demonstrate how to determine soil texture
  • Teach others about soil sustainability
3 green outlines of hands

Community Service

  • Volunteer with the Natural Resource Conservation Service
  • Develop a community compost container at a community garden
  • Teach youth about soil
green puzzle pieces

Career Connections

  • Soil conservationist
  • Soil microbiologist
  • Agronomist
  • Farmer
  • Soil investigator
  • Geologist
  • Wetland specialist

Exhibit Ideas

  • Create models of soil structures
  • Measure the nutrition value of various soils
  • Compare soil conservation management practices and their effect on pH, soil temperature and water holding capacity
  • Complete a web soil survey

Learning Resources

Related Topics

4-H Projects, 4-H Environmental Education & Earth Science Project

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