BLM Leg 3 #3 		Brandon to Regina (Extension)
P 1 of 3

Discussion and Research

1.	When does a good thing become a bad thing? Using and developing natural resources is a good thing. There are, however, limits to how far we can take advantage of our resources. 
Choose one of the following sustainable development topics and compare its advantages and disadvantages:
•	using chemicals in agriculture
•	draining pothole lakes to produce more agricultural land
•	creating lakes
•	burning straw from fields to make plowing easier
•	mining open coal pits for electrical energy

Topic:______________________________________________________________

Advantages	Disadvantages	

2.	Why do you think there are so many abandoned homesteads on the Prairies?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3.	Do a prairie soil study. Draw a soil profile. Label and describe it.

BLM Leg 3 #3 	Brandon to Regina (Extension – Continued)
P 2 of 3

4.	It has been estimated that it takes approximately 500 years to build up 3 cm of prairie soil. If the topsoil on Prairie Level 2 is 40 cm, how long will it have taken to accumulate this much soil? Explain how you determined your answer.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

5.	Interesting relationships exist among climate, soil, and natural vegetation. Using the following comparison chart, identify the type of soil, the type of grass, the amount of annual precipitation, and the type of farming for each prairie level. 

Prairie Levels: Comparison Chart	
Prairie Level	Soil Type	Grass Type	Annual Precipitation	Type of Farming	

					

6.	Study your comparison chart.  
a)	What combinations produce the best soil?
________________________________________________________________
b)	Which climatic conditions produce the shortest prairie grass?
________________________________________________________________
7.	How can we protect our valuable soil resources for future generations?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

BLM Leg 3 #3 	Brandon to Regina (Extension – Continued)
P 3 of 3

8.	The Prairies are called the “breadbasket of the world.” Survey your home for food supplies. Make a list of food items that are made from prairie farm products. Group them into the following categories.

Prairie Food Products	
Grains and Oil Seeds	Fruits and Vegetables	Animal Products	

9.	Plan a meal for your family made entirely with prairie food products.