Environmental factors.

The environmental concerns associated with farming are often the subject of media reports and emotive debate. It is the role of scientists to provide reliable information and data concerning farm practices and potential environmental impacts.

Provide an opportunity for students to dive deeper into the information and make sense of the complexities within it. Scaffold their understanding of concepts such as nutrient cycling and interdependence as well as exploring socio-scientific aspects.

• Dairy farming and the nitrogen cycle – article

• The nitrogen cycle and dairy farming – interactive

• Exploring ethical issues related to farming and environmental pollution – activity

• Denitrification beds – a creative approach – article

• Dairy farming solutions – article

• Farm management practices – article

• Liming paddocks – activity

• The Vision is Clear has a series of stories on how farmers and community groups are working to clean up New Zealand waterways.

Image: Gozzoli, licensed through 123RF Ltd.