DOI
https://doi.org/10.62812/HNUI8074
Document Type
Curriculum Resource
Publication Version
In Review
Publication Date
Summer 6-6-2026
Keywords
Composting, nutrient cycling, soil health, decomposition, carbon-rich materials, nitrogen-rich materials, organic matter, sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, soil restoration, Three Sisters, traditional ecological knowledge, regenerative agriculture
Description
In this lesson, students investigate how nutrient cycling contributes to soil health and agricultural sustainability. Building upon previous lessons on the Three Sisters planting system and soil health analysis, students explore composting as a strategy for restoring nutrients in soils. Students learn the roles of carbon-rich "browns" and nitrogen-rich "greens" in decomposition and construct miniature composting systems using locally available organic materials. Through observation, data collection, and long-term monitoring, students analyze how microorganisms recycle nutrients and convert organic matter into fertile soil amendments. Students connect composting to traditional ecological knowledge, food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and sustainable agriculture while evaluating how nutrient recycling can improve soil health and strengthen local food systems.
Pages
10
Type
Lesson Plan
Format
Language
English
Publisher
Open Prairie, South Dakota State University
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Mara Johnson, Jiyul Chang and Madhav P Nepal (2026). Lesson 3. Soil Nutrients and Composting. I-LEARN Teaching Resources, 8(1), 344-352. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62812/HNUI8074
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Agriculture Commons, Biology Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons