Agricultural Education (Grades 5–12) Subtest 1

Subarea III. Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management

0007

Understand ecological principles, human interactions with the environment, natural resources management, and conservation.

demonstrating knowledge of basic ecological concepts (e.g., niche, ecosystem, water and nutrient cycles) and their applications to agriculture
demonstrating knowledge of types, characteristics, and uses of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources (e.g., air, water, land, flora, habitat, wildlife) and their conservation and management
identifying alternative energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, geothermal) and methods for their capture and use
demonstrating knowledge of the effects of agriculture on the environment and strategies for preventing and mitigating environmental damage
demonstrating knowledge of principles and methods for safe handling and storage of agricultural products and materials (e.g., pesticides, herbicides)
identifying agencies, laws, and regulations related to agriculture and the environment

0008

Understand soil science and soil management.

demonstrating knowledge of soil geology and the factors of soil formation
demonstrating knowledge of the classification and characteristics of soils and how they relate to plant growth
demonstrating knowledge of factors that affect the distribution and availability of plant nutrients in soils
demonstrating knowledge of types and uses of fertilizers and other soil amendments (e.g., lime, organic matter)
demonstrating knowledge of soil management practices (e.g., tillage, crop rotation, drainage, irrigation) associated with crop production
demonstrating knowledge of principles and methods of soil conservation and erosion control