Farmers Care for the Earth

Background Information

Farmers take special care of the land, so it stays healthy for a long time. Here are some ways they do this:

• Crop Rotation – Farmers change what they grow in a field each year, so the soil stays full of nutrients.
• Cover Crops – They plant special plants, like clover or grass, to protect the soil from washing away (erosion).
• No-Till Farming – Instead of tilling up the soil like a tiller does to a garden, farmers limit disturbing the soil. Farmers leave old plants in the field to provide nutrients for the ground and cover to keep soil in place.
• Using Natural Fertilizers – Farmers use compost or manure (animal poop) to help the soil stay rich and healthy.
• Saving Water –Depending on where a farmer lives, some can rely solely on rain to provide water for their plants. Others may use irrigation to bring water to their crops. These special watering systems give plants just the right amount of water without wasting it.

By doing these things, farmers make sure the land stays strong and ready to grow food for many years!

Here are some websites where kids can learn about how farmers protect the Earth:

• Animal Smart: Farmers Helping the Environment – This site explains how farmers use conservation, preservation, and careful resource management to care for the land and environment. ​
• FFA: 8 Ways to Be the Environment-Friendly Farm – Discover different methods farmers use to be more environmentally friendly, like reducing soil tillage and conserving water.
• Kansas Farm Food Connection website has an article titled “5 Ways Farmers Help the Environment” that explains how farmers take care of the Earth.

Help the Rain Water the Corn

The water cycle is how water moves around the Earth. It starts when the sun heats up water in rivers, lakes, and oceans, turning it into steam. This is called evaporation. The steam rises into the sky and cools down, forming clouds. This is called condensation. When the clouds get heavy, the water falls back to Earth as rain or snow. This is called precipitation.

Water is essential for crops because it helps them grow strong and healthy. Plants need water to take in nutrients from the soil and make food through a process called photosynthesis. Water also keeps plants cool and helps them stand tall. Without enough water, crops can dry out and not produce food. Too much water, however, can also harm plants by drowning their roots. Farmers carefully manage water to make sure their crops get just the right amount to grow well.

Any water not absorbed by the soil flows back into rivers, lakes, and oceans, and the cycle starts all over again. This keeps our water moving and helps plants, animals, and people!

Fill in the Blank- Farmers

care for the land by

rotating crops to improve soil

and conserve water. They

produce clean fuel for vehicles

and food for livestock.

Farmers care for the Earth!

Biodegradable/Bioplastic

Biodegradable means something can break down naturally and disappear over time. For example, an apple core or a leaf will rot and go back into the soil, helping plants grow.

Bioplastic is a special kind of plastic made from plants like corn or sugarcane. Unlike regular plastic, which stays in the environment for a long time, bioplastic can break down more easily and is better for the Earth.

Color 5 items green that are made from corn:

• Plastic silverware
• Grocery store bags
• Plastic carry-out food containers
• Plastic water bottles
• Biodegradable plastic ink pens

Can you put these in order?

5-Corn stalks are left on the ground.
2-Corn grows.
4-Corn is harvested.
1-Corn is planted.
6-Stalks decompose to make a healthy soil.
3-Plant dies, ready for harvest.

As corn grows it takes water and nutrients from the soil to produce a healthy plant. When the corn is harvested the leaves, stalks and corn cobs are left on the ground, but it doesn’t go to waste—it helps the soil!

• First, the leaves, stalks, and roots of the corn plant start to rot. Tiny living things called bacteria and fungi help break the plant into small pieces.
• Next as the plants break down, they release important nutrients like nitrogen and carbon into the soil. These nutrients help other plants grow.
• Finally, the broken-down plant turns into rich, dark soil called compost. This soil holds water better and gives food to new plants.

This process is nature’s way of recycling, making sure the soil stays healthy for future crops!