The Science of Living Soils

In this resource, students are tasked with assessing the health of a range of soils using nematodes and bacterial populations as an indicator of biological health. Students will investigate soil structure and function. They will take soil samples and assess nematode populations.

Students will learn how to identify soil micro-invertebrates and other free living organisms, learn how living soil biology can be used to monitor soil health and determine the role of soil in food production. Science investigation skills, particularly those relating to field work, and reporting are strengthened through this unit.