Using chemicals in farming
I can describe and explain the benefits and drawbacks of using chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides in farming.
Using chemicals in farming
I can describe and explain the benefits and drawbacks of using chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides in farming.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Farmers use chemicals called fertilisers to produce more crops.
- Farmers use chemicals called pesticides to produce more crops.
- Some pesticides kill insects and this helps crops to grow because they are not being eaten.
- Some pesticides kill other plants (weeds) that compete with the crops to grow.
- Fertilisers and pesticides can be harmful to the environment and wildlife.
Common misconception
Pupils don’t realise that insecticides and herbicides are all examples of pesticides.
Pupils should understand pesticides are a group of chemicals that kill organisms. Different types of pesticide kill different types of pest.
Keywords
Fertiliser - Fertilisers are minerals that are added to the soil to help plants to grow.
Pesticide - Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill organisms such as insects and weeds, which prevent crop growth.
Organic - Organic farming only uses chemicals that come from other living things (are not man-made).
Herbicide - Herbicides are a type of pesticide. They kill plants. They are sometimes also known as weedkillers.
Insecticide - Insecticides are a type of pesticide. These chemicals kill insects.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a chemical which is used to kill insects
a chemical which is used to kill pests
a chemical which is used to kill plants
provides producers with minerals that they need to grow well
material which comes from a living thing
causes algae to grow quickly in lakes, reducing light and oxygen
can kill organisms that help with pollination
can kill plants that provide habitats for other organisms